Thomas Menino served as the mayor of Boston for twenty years before leaving office in February.  According to the Boston Globe, Menino was diagnosed with advanced cancer shortly after leaving office.  Still, Menino took on chemotherapy and all of his post-mayoral plans.

Menino launched an initiative on cities at Boston University.  He went on a speaking engagement tour, traveling around the country.  Earlier this month, a memoir he co-wrote was published and he began a book tour for it.  When he started the book tour last week, it was clear that the cancer and treatment were taking their toll.  Using a wheelchair and often suffering from laryngitis, Menino was clearly not the man the public knew as mayor.

On Oct. 23, Menino released a statement announcing that he was suspending his book tour and his cancer treatment.  CBS Local reports that he will continue to fight the disease, but now he wants to spend time with his family and friends.  This decision comes after the 71-year-old landed back in the hospital last week, suffering from dehydration.

Menino is a Boston institution and his announcement rippled through his city with sadness.  His family received an outpouring of support and kindness in response to his statement.  Credited with helping Boston through tough economic times, Menino holds the record as the longest serving mayor for his beloved city.