By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Former Senator Ben Sasse revealed on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and acknowledges the prognosis as terminal. Sasse, who previously served as a U.S. Senator for Nebraska and later as the president of the University of Florida, emphasized that he is ready to fight. His diagnosis highlights the aggressive nature of pancreatic cancer, which has a low survival rate due to the fact that it is often diagnosed in its advanced stages, with many patients facing advanced disease at the time of diagnosis.
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Former Sen. Ben Sasse, who has announced he’s been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and is “gonna die,” is a stark reminder of life’s fragility. It’s a cruel twist of fate, a brutal reality that strips away any illusion of control, leaving only the undeniable truth that our time is limited. It’s tough news to swallow, and it’s hitting a lot of people hard. Pancreatic cancer, as anyone who has encountered it knows, is a devastating disease.
The sheer speed at which this cancer can take hold is terrifying. There are countless stories of people, often in the prime of their lives, suddenly facing a diagnosis that brings their world crashing down. The details can be brutal, and the outcome often the same. The lack of breakthroughs in treatment compared to other cancers makes it even harder to witness.
While grappling with this devastating news, it’s impossible not to reflect on the nature of life and how we choose to live it. This news serves as a strong reminder to not wait for some “someday” to pursue dreams, to connect with loved ones, and to embrace the present. The sentiment that “we’re all on the clock” rings truer now than ever.
It’s also hard to ignore the broader context of Sasse’s life and career. He was one of the few Republicans who stood against Donald Trump, voting to convict him in the second impeachment trial. His principled stance, though likely costing him in his political career, is something many people will remember. This is the Gen X experience in American politics.
However, political differences aside, the news of his diagnosis is a shared human experience. It’s a time for compassion and empathy, and a moment to put aside those differences, even if there are different views on healthcare and political decisions. It’s easy to see how people feel about someone like Ben Sasse, whether they agree with him or not.
The fact is, though, pancreatic cancer doesn’t care about political affiliations or ideologies. This awful disease can affect anyone. The prognosis is grim. It’s important to remember that behind the political labels and policy debates, there are real people facing unimaginable pain and uncertainty. It’s a hard disease.
It’s natural to consider his legacy in light of this news. He will be remembered by some for his opposition to Trump, a defining moment in his career. Others will likely remember his stance on healthcare, and how he supported different proposals to public health care programs. But whatever his political past, it’s hard not to feel for him and his family as they navigate this difficult journey.
His story is also a reminder of the need for greater investment in cancer research, especially for underfunded cancers like pancreatic cancer. Every step forward in medical science offers a glimmer of hope, and it’s essential that these advancements continue. It seems like promising things are happening with the science of MRNA vaccines that have been specifically designed to treat individual pancreatic cancers.
Ultimately, Ben Sasse’s announcement is a somber reminder of life’s brevity. May he and his family find strength, comfort, and peace in the face of this immense challenge.