By Adam Schultz
Washington, D.C.— Indian American lawmakers and community leaders have expressed their support and prayers for former U.S. President Joe Biden following his recent diagnosis of an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The 82-year-old former president's condition, which has metastasized to the bone, has prompted a wave of bipartisan sympathy and well-wishes from across the political spectrum.
Key Facts:
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Diagnosis Details: Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive prostate cancer that has spread to his bones.
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Indian American Lawmakers' Response: Representatives Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Shri Thanedar have publicly shared support and prayers for Biden and his family.
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Community Leaders' Support: Ajay Bhutoria, a member of Biden's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, expressed solidarity on behalf of the South Asian community.
Representative Ro Khanna emphasized the resilience of the Bidens, stating,
"Praying for @JoeBiden and his family to defeat the cancer he's recently been diagnosed with. He and Jill have always been fighters, and I am confident they will meet this challenge with grit and grace."
Similarly, Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi highlighted Biden's dedication to public service:
"Former President Joe Biden is a good man who dedicated his life to serving his country. I'm praying for him and his family tonight, and ask all Americans to do the same."
Representative Shri Thanedar lauded Biden's leadership, calling him a "transformational president and an even greater man," and expressed his wishes for strength and recovery.
Ajay Bhutoria, reflecting on Biden's longstanding commitment to fighting cancer, noted,
"President Biden has always been a fighter—for our nation, for our communities, and for causes close to his heart. The South Asian community stands with him, inspired by his legacy of compassion and action."
This collective outpouring of support underscores the deep respect and admiration that Indian American leaders hold for Biden, not only for his political achievements but also for his resilience and dedication to public service.
Do You Know? The Gleason score, used to grade prostate cancer, ranges from 6 to 10. A score of 9 indicates a high-grade, aggressive cancer, which is the case with Biden's diagnosis.
Key Terms:
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Metastasis: The spread of cancer cells from the primary site to other parts of the body.
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Gleason Score: A grading system for prostate cancer that helps evaluate the prognosis and guide treatment options.
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Hormone-Sensitive Cancer: A type of cancer that responds to hormone therapy, which can slow or stop its growth.