* An email from former Gov. Jim Edgar, authorized for publication…
Brenda and I are facing a new, significant challenge.
Doctors at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago have determined I have pancreatic cancer that has spread. They and physicians at Mayo Clinic are coordinating on a treatment regimen that I am following initially in Arizona, where we spend the winter, and later in Springfield when we return. We do not underestimate this challenge, but we have confidence in the medical team helping us address it.
Brenda and I remain hopeful, and we are grateful for the kindness of so many who have offered their prayers and support.
He has done a remarkable job with his bipartisan Edgar Fellows program. I wish him nothing but the best. Hang in there, Jim.
…Adding… House Speaker Chris Welch…
“Governor Jim Edgar is a model of a true statesman, and his commitment to integrity and collaborative leadership continues to guide Illinois. The opportunity I had to learn from him through the Edgar Fellows Program helped me as a new lawmaker, as a committee chair, and still today as Speaker. The fact that so many leaders in our Capitol can tell similar stories is a testament to the amazing scope of Governor Edgar’s impact.
“Governor Edgar and his family are in my prayers as they face this new challenge. As he has worked to bring out the best in others, may our prayers and well wishes bring the best to him.”
- Norseman - Monday, Feb 24, 25 @ 1:34 pm:
Best wishes for a speedy recovery Governor.
- Give Us Barabbas - Monday, Feb 24, 25 @ 1:38 pm:
Worked with both him and Brenda. There are no republicans left like him.
- JS Mill - Monday, Feb 24, 25 @ 1:40 pm:
Regardless of politics, I have always respected Governor Edgar and met him a number of times. I found him down to earth and a good person. I wish him the best.
- H-W - Monday, Feb 24, 25 @ 1:42 pm:
I pray your regimen is effective at preventing further spread, and at diminishing the cancer where it currently exists. I also hope your treatments and therapy are tolerable, and give you hope. You were the first Illinois politician I ever met, and coming from the Commonwealth of Virginia in the 1990s, I was amazed to find a Republican leader with a strong social compass. At that time you were talking about the possibility of the State receiving property taxes and redistributing across school districts according to demonstrable need. Shortly after coming here, I met you at the 1996 State Fair, and you seemed so genuinely nice, and wise.
I will keep your family and you in my prayers, Gov. Edgar. May you beat the odds, and give us many more years of your wisdom and insights.
- Annonin' - Monday, Feb 24, 25 @ 1:53 pm:
Hopefully the docs can get it right. Meanwhile our family prays for a full and speedy recovery
- Dupage - Monday, Feb 24, 25 @ 1:54 pm:
Best wishes, Gov. Edgar.
- Sue - Monday, Feb 24, 25 @ 2:11 pm:
Truly horrible news- Gov Edgar was a most decent caring leader- the info in his email is about the absolutely worse diagnosis there can be when it comes to cancer
- levivotedforjudy - Monday, Feb 24, 25 @ 3:12 pm:
This was a rough one to read. Hope they caught it before it hit the local phase. At that point, the odds aren’t good.
- ArchPundit - Monday, Feb 24, 25 @ 3:30 pm:
Bad news, but best of luck to Governor Edgar on his treatment. I’ll have him in my prayers.
- Will Stephens - Monday, Feb 24, 25 @ 3:45 pm:
Jim Edgar is a good and decent man who exemplifies leadership. I was proud to be a part of the Edgar Fellows Program in 2017. If anyone can beat this, Jim Edgar can. My prayers support and encouragement to he and his family. You are lifted up Governor.
- Gravitas - Monday, Feb 24, 25 @ 3:47 pm:
What I really liked about Edgar was that he was the first “Downstate” governor in a long time and he was willing to stand up to Daley and Madigan when necessary.
Sad to say, I never cashed a ticket betting on Edgar’s horses. One horse raced under the name of “Shadrach Bond.”
I wish him well and hope that the doctors can treat his cancer successfully.
- Give Me A Break - Monday, Feb 24, 25 @ 4:05 pm:
Prayers up for Gov. Edgar.