Maryland Governor Hogan diagnosed with advanced cancer

59-year old Republican Maryland Governor Larry Hogan publicly announced that he has been diagnosed with late stage 3 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Hogan, who was just sworn into office this past January, described the cancer as aggressive and very advanced.

“I’m going to face this challenge with the same energy and determination that I’ve relied on to climb every hill and to overcome every obstacle that I’ve faced in my life.”

Hogan will begin an intense 18-week chemotherapy regimen that he will begin with a stay in the intensive care unit for observation. Standing in for him will be Lt. Gov. Boyd K. Rutherford who will take on the task of making any necessary decisions while Hogan is undergoing treatment, according to The Washington Post.

Rutherford previously took on this assignment for Hogan when he was under anesthesia for one hour, in case there were any emergency situations that needed urgent attention.

“Luckily there was no major decision during that one hour I was asleep, so [the] lieutenant governor, he didn’t make any crazy decisions,” Hogan said. “But he has my utmost confidence.”

If a vacancy were to occur, the Lt. Gov. would be the one to fill the office for the remainder of the term.

At this time, Hogan does not have any plans to leave office. He said that he plans to approach the cancer as simply a hurdle which he fully intends to surmount.

His agenda which includes strengthening Maryland’s economy and business climate and cutting taxes is still in full force. He has vowed to continue overseeing efforts in Baltimore to recover from recent rioting which includes the discussion around long-planned light-rail projects.

Hogan displayed the same likeable average-guy persona that he maintained through his election that won over voters.

“Most likely, I’m going to lose my hair — you won’t have these beautiful gray locks. I may trim down a little bit. But I won’t stop working to change Maryland for the better,” he said, a slight tremor in his voice. “I’ll be working hard and making the decisions that the people of this state elected me to make.”

Hogan spoke openly about the cancer sharing that he had more than 30 tumors that have spread through his abdomen core “pressing up against my spinal column.” He also shared that there is a very strong chance of survival and beating the cancer all together.

 

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