Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., has decided to stop medical treatment for glioblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer, the McCain family announced in a statement Friday.
“Last summer, Sen. 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,” the McCain family said.
“With his usual strength of will, he has now chosen to discontinue medical treatment,” the family added. “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 wife Cindy and daughter Meghan also expressed sentiments of gratitude to those who have supported them the past year.
“I love my husband with all of my heart,” Cindy McCain tweeted. “God bless everyone who has cared for my husband along this journey.”
I love my husband with all of my heart. God bless everyone who has cared for my husband along this journey. pic.twitter.com/v27sEbboii
— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) August 24, 2018
“My family is deeply appreciative of all the love and generosity you have shown us during this past year,” Meghan McCain tweeted. “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.”
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
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., also shared his sympathy to McCain and his family.
“Very sad to hear this morning’s update from the family of our dear friend @SenJohnMcCain,” McConnell tweeted. “We are so fortunate to call him our friend and colleague. John, Cindy, and the entire McCain family are in our prayers at this incredibly difficult hour.”
Very sad to hear this morning’s update from the family of our dear friend @SenJohnMcCain. We are so fortunate to call him our friend and colleague. John, Cindy, and the entire McCain family are in our prayers at this incredibly difficult hour.
— Leader McConnell (@SenateMajLdr) August 24, 2018
McCain has been in Arizona since December receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1958 and was a naval aviator during the Vietnam War. He was held captive as a prisoner of war for five years.
Last month, the USS John S. McCain was a given a third namesake in honor of McCain. The destroyer was originally commissioned in 1994 and was named in honor of McCain’s father and grandfather, both of whom were Navy admirals.
