Sen. John McCain has decided to cease medical care.
McCain was diagnosed with brain cancer last year.
BREAKING: @SenJohnMcCain has chosen to stop medical treatment after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer last summer https://t.co/H5iCxxqvmg
— Claudia Kelly-Bazan (@ClaudiaK27) August 24, 2018
Here is the statement from the McCain camp:
"Last summer, Senator John McCain shared with Americans the news our family already knew: he had been diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma, and the prognosis was serious. In the year since, John has surpassed expectations for his survival. But the progress of disease and the inexorable advance of age render their verdict. With his usual strength of will, he has now chosen to discontinue medical treatment. Our family is immensely grateful for the support and kindness of all his caregivers over the last year, and for the continuing outpouring of concern and affection from John's many friends and associates, and the many thousands of people who are keeping him in their prayers. God bless and thank you all."
McCain's daughter, Meghan McCain, tweeted a statement of gratitude after the family announced the news:
My family is deeply appreciative of all the love and generosity you have shown us during this past year. Thank you for all your continued support and prayers. We could not have made it this far without you - you've given us strength to carry on. pic.twitter.com/KuAQSASoa7
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) August 24, 2018
McCain's colleague in the Senate, Jeff Flake, also offered prayers for the family.
God bless and keep this wonderful man and his family @SenJohnMcCain
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) August 24, 2018
McCain, 81 has served in the Senate since 1987.
Governor Doug Ducey shared his condolences for the McCain family while in Tucson on Friday, saying the impact the Vietnam War hero had on Arizona and the United States over the years is "immeasurable."
"His ability to work across the board with people regardless of political affiliation, his view of America as a leader in the world, and his ambassadorship to the rest of the world for our values, is something that has tremendously touched everyone in the United States and around the world," Gov. Ducey said.
In the event that McCain's seat becomes vacant, Gov. Ducey will appoint an interim senator. If that happens, that temporary appointee would stay there until the 2020 midterm.
