Sen. John McCain’s cancer diagnosis draws well-wishes, support

PHOENIX — Arizona Sen. John McCain’s diagnosis of brain cancer drew widespread well-wishes and support from people in the political world and beyond.

The news broke on Wednesday that McCain was diagnosed with brain cancer following the removal of a 2-inch blood clot in his skull.

Meghan McCain, the Senator’s daughter and also a Fox News host, released a statement via Twitter:

“The new of my father’s illness has affected every one of us in the McCain family. My grandmother, mother, brothers, sister, and I have all endured the shock of the news, and now we live with the anxiety about what comes next. It is an experience familiar to us, given my father’s previous battle with cancer – and it is familiar to the countless American families whose loved ones are also stricken with the tragedy of disease and the inevitability of age. If we could ask anything of anyone now, it would be the prayers of those of you who understand this all too well. We would be so grateful for them.

It won’t surprise you to learn that in all this, the one of us who is the most confident and calm is my father. He is the toughest person I know. The cruelest enemy could not break him. The aggressions of political life could not break him. The aggressions of political life could not bend him. So he is meeting this challenge as he has every other. Cancer may afflict him in many ways, but it will not make him surrender. Nothing ever has.

My love for my father is boundless, and, like any daughter, I cannot and do not wish to be in a world without him. I have faith that those days remain far away. Yet even in this moment, my fears for him are overwhelmed by one thing above all: gratitude for our years together and the years still to come. He is a warrior at dusk, one of the greatest Americans of our age and the noteworthy heir to his father’s and grandfather’s name. But to me, he is something more. He is my strength, my example, my refuge, my confidante, my teacher, my rock, my hero – my dad.”

Senator Lindsey Graham:

Beautiful stuff from Lindsey Graham on John McCain: “This disease has never had a more worthy opponent.” pic.twitter.com/lN45boJkpf

— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) July 20, 2017

Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar:

“That is really sad,” he said in an interview with KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Realty Check with Darin Damme. “Here in the debate of health care, we actually see an incident like this. He has fought bravely in regards to cancer for melanoma before and this is heart-felt breaking news. But what I would hope is that that stalwartness that John McCain has always come to the table with, being that maverick and having a heart of solidarity, I only wish him the best. He’s in our thoughts and prayers.”

My deepest thoughts and prayers are with @SenJohnMcCain and his family right now.

— Rep. Paul Gosar, DDS (@RepGosar) July 20, 2017

Vice President Mike Pence:

Karen & I are praying for @SenJohnMcCain. Cancer picked on the wrong guy. John McCain is a fighter & he'll win this fight too. God bless!

— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) July 20, 2017

Arizona Rep. Tom O’Halleran:

Sen. McCain has dedicated his life to serving our nation with honor. Tonight we keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.

— Rep. Tom O'Halleran (@RepOHalleran) July 20, 2017

Arizona Rep. Martha McSally:

My full statement on @SenJohnMcCain: pic.twitter.com/z3MVRreFAJ

— Martha McSally (@RepMcSally) July 20, 2017

Former Vice President Joe Biden:

John and I have been friends for 40 years. He's gotten through so much difficulty with so much grace. He is strong – and he will beat this.

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 20, 2017

Former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords:

Hang in there @SenJohnMcCain. You're tough! You can beat this. Fight, fight, fight! I am proud to call you my friend.

— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) July 20, 2017

Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego:

We've had our disagreements, but @SenJohnMcCain is an American hero & legendary Arizonan. I wish him the best in the difficult times ahead.

— Ruben Gallego (@RepRubenGallego) July 20, 2017

John McCain’s former presidential running mate, Sarah Palin:

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (via multiple tweets):

“John McCain is undoubtedly the toughest man in the US Senate. He is an American hero and has served our country like few ever will. He has set an example for all Americans in the toughest of fights, in difficult circumstances. I have no doubt he’ll do it again. My prayers and my full support are with him and his family.”

Former President George W. Bush:

Following is a statement by @GeorgeHWBush on @SenJohnMcCain. pic.twitter.com/x8kIStWz7p

— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) July 20, 2017

Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake:

Just spoke to @SenJohnMcCain. Tough diagnosis, but even tougher man.

— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) July 20, 2017

Former President Barack Obama:

John McCain is an American hero & one of the bravest fighters I've ever known. Cancer doesn't know what it's up against. Give it hell, John.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 20, 2017

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton:

My statement on the news regarding @SenJohnMcCain — all of Phoenix is thinking of and praying for the entire McCain family tonight. pic.twitter.com/uKQIRyOrvz

— Greg Stanton (@MayorStanton) July 20, 2017

Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs:

“Cindy and I are praying for Senator McCain and his family tonight after hearing this devastating news about his health. I have been amazed by his energy and vigor for serving his country over the years, and the sacrifices he made for this nation are unmatched. I hope to see him back on Capitol Hill soon, and I know that he will fight this diagnosis with every ounce of strength he has within him.”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell:

“John McCain is a hear to our conference and a hero to our country. He has never shied from a fight and I know that he will face this challenge with the same extraordinary courage that has characterized his life. The entire Senate family’s prayers are with John, Cindy and his family, his staff, and the people of Arizona he represents so well. We all look forward to seeing this American hero again soon.”

Jonathan Lines, the chairman of the Arizona Republican Party:

“Rosalie and I are keeping Senator John McCain, Mrs. McCain and his entire family in our prayers during this difficult time. The Senator sure has proved over the last 30 years representing Arizona that he is a fighter. I am sure he will fight and beat this too. Please join us in praying for the McCain family.”

Arizona Rep. Trent Franks:

“I have just learned about my friend John McCain’s diagnosis of brain cancer. I pray for his health, his spirit and his family tonight. May God have His loving hand upon them all. John McCain is an American hero and possesses such great strength and courage. He has exhibited those qualities his whole life and I have no doubt he will continue to inspire us all in this next fight.”

The Arizona Cardinals:

Sending our thoughts & best wishes to @SenJohnMcCain who we know will face this challenge with his trademark strength, resolve & toughness. pic.twitter.com/Xlb4wwDUdF

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) July 20, 2017

Arizona Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall:

Our prayers are with our good friend @SenJohnMcCain now. No bigger fan of the @dbacks. A strong & brave hero who will win another battle.

— Derrick Hall (@DHallDbacks) July 20, 2017

House Speaker Paul Ryan:

.@SenJohnMcCain has always been a warrior. It's who he is. All of us, not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans, are behind him. pic.twitter.com/B6iDpPultM

— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) July 20, 2017

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi:

.@SenJohnMcCain is a hero, a patriot and a fighter. I am privileged to call him a friend. Paul & I pray for his recovery and his family.

— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) July 20, 2017

Arizona Rep. Kyrsten Sinema

Thinking about @SenJohnMcCain and his family tonight. He is a fighter, and we are all with him in this fight.

— Kyrsten Sinema (@RepSinema) July 20, 2017

The Arizona Coyotes:

Senator McCain is a patriot, a hero & part of our family. He's been a fighter his entire life & we know he won't stop now. – @SWPatterson pic.twitter.com/ITfj2S6RVh

— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) July 20, 2017

Phoenix Suns head coach Earl Watson:

Prayers up to a great one! @SenJohnMcCain

— Earl J Watson (@Earl_Watson) July 20, 2017

Phoenix Police Department:

Prayers for @SenJohnMcCain. A man who has truly dedicated his life to public service. pic.twitter.com/TdTdI3iHTe

— Phoenix Police (@phoenixpolice) July 20, 2017

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