Former Nebraska U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse shared a deeply personal update via X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday (Dec. 23), revealing that he has been diagnosed with stage four metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Sasse addressed friends and followers directly: “Last week I was diagnosed with stage four metastatic pancreatic cancer and I’m going to die. Advanced pancreas is an ugly thing; it’s a death sentence. But before last week, I had a death sentence – all of us.”
He acknowledged the difficulty of coping with the limited time ahead, both as a professional and as a husband and father.
Family and support network
The former senator highlighted the support of his family and close friends: “I’m blessed with amazing siblings and half a dozen friends who are true brothers. As one of them said, ‘Sure, you’re in class, but we’re all in class.'”
He also celebrated his children’s milestones: “Seven months ago, Corrie was drafted into the Air Force and is graduating from instrument and multi-engine flight school. Last week, Alex graduated college a semester early, even though he taught Gen chemistry, organics and physics. This summer, 14-year-old Breck started learning to drive.”
Faith and hope in the midst of struggle
Sasse reflected on the spiritual perspective he leans on during Advent: “Not an abstract hope in fanciful human goodness, nor a hope in a vague, signposted spirituality…we often lazily say ‘hope’ when we mean ‘optimism’. To be clear, optimism is great and absolutely necessary, but it is insufficient.”
He further emphasized the fundamental role of his Christian faith: “We hope for a real Deliverer – a saving God, born in real time, in a real place. But the eternal city – with foundations and without cancer – is not yet.”
Determination to fight and live life to the fullest
Despite the prognosis, Sasse expressed his determination to fully embrace life and continue treatment: “I will have more. I will not go down without a fight. One part of God’s grace can be found in the progress science has made in the last few years in immunotherapy and more. Death and dying are not the same – the dying process is still something to be experienced.”
He also emphasized the role of humor and gratitude in meeting the challenge: “We’re keen to embrace a lot of gallows humor in our house, and I’m committed to doing my part to get through the irreverent tape.”
A message for the season
During Christmas, Sasse closed on a note of hope and peace, saying, “People who walk in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light has dawned… For unto us is given a son.”
He signed off gratefully: “With great gratitude and gruff but hopeful voices, Ben – and Sasses.”
