CHICAGO (WLS) — Political figures and officials from Chicago and Illinois swiftly reacted on Sunday to the announcement of former President Joe Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis.
Biden’s office made the announcement in a statement, saying he is facing an “aggressive” form of the disease that has spread to his bones.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
In addition to comments from President Donald Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris, Illinois politicians also expressed support for Biden as he faces his health challenge.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama issued the following message:
“Michelle and I are keeping the whole Biden family in our thoughts. Joe has been instrumental in advancing treatments for all forms of cancer, and I am confident he will tackle this obstacle with his usual strength and grace. We wish for his quick and complete recovery.”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker shared the following statement:
“President Biden knows that when you get knocked down, you get back up and fight. I join the nation in sending strength to President Biden and his family and hope for a full recovery. We’re with you in this fight, Joe.”
President Joe Biden greets Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker as he arrives at Chicago Rockford International Airport, Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, in Rockford, Ill.
(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton shared the following statement:
“Bryan and I are sending faith-filled prayers of healing and strength to President Biden. To the entire Biden family, I know your faith will give you strength for the journey ahead. You’re in our hearts.”
Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin shared the following statement:
“Praying for my friend and former colleague, Joe Biden, after hearing news of his diagnosis. Loretta and I will be keeping Joe, the entire Biden family, and the medical professionals treating him in our thoughts during this time. Continue to keep the faith, Joe.”
Illinois U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth shared the following statement:
“I’m sending my thoughts to the Biden family and wishing President Biden a full and speedy recovery.”
Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot shared the following statement:
“President Joe Biden is a good man with a great heart who has served his country well even through times of personal tragedy. I will be praying for him as he fights for recovery from prostate cancer.”
Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel shared the following statement:
“As President Biden often reminds us, his father would say, ‘When you get knocked down, you get back up.’ Joe, we know you’ll get back up and back to work on the cancer moonshot. Amy and I are rooting for you.”
The initial concern with the cancer diagnosis comes with the fact that Biden is 82 years old. Medical experts told ABC7 this cancer is not curable because it has already spread to his bones.
Dr. Chris George, a medical director from the Northwestern Hospital system, said hormonal treatment will likely be the best option for the former president.
“It’s not curable. If it spreads to the bones, you cannot cure the cancer. Curative therapy does not exist, but it’s very treatable and controllable,” Dr. George said. “I would expect his quality of life over the next year to be reasonably good. I would expect if there is any baseline frailty or cognitive disfunction. I would expect that to perhaps get worse I would worry about that. I would not expect him to die from this disease in the next year.”
Dr. George explained that chemotherapy would probably not be a good option for Biden as it would quickly diminish his quality of life.
Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
