Former Sen. Ben Sasse announced his diagnosis of metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer in a Tuesday morning social media message.
Sasse said the diagnosis came last week, and he has accepted his death will come sooner than expected.
“Advanced pancreatic is nasty stuff; it’s a death sentence,” Sasse wrote. “But I already had a death sentence before last week too — we all do.”
Sasse is 53. In his post, he expressed gratitude to his siblings, friends, wife and three children for their support and love.
“I can’t begin to describe how great my people are,” Sasse said. “I couldn’t be more grateful to constantly get to bear-hug this motley crew of sinners and saints.”
Sasse said his Christian faith gives him hope – in life and what comes after.
“There’s not a good time to tell your peeps you’re now marching to the beat of a faster drummer — but the season of advent isn’t the worst,” Sasse said. “As a Christian, the weeks running up to Christmas are a time to orient our hearts toward the hope of what’s to come.”
Sen. Deb Fischer said in an X post that she is saddened by the news of her former colleague’s diagnosis.
“I know he will face this difficult challenge anchored in his strong Christian faith and bolstered by the love of family and friends,” Fischer said. “Ben, I am keeping you and your loved ones in my prayers.”
Gov. Jim Pillen also said the Sasse family would be in his and the First Lady’s prayers.
“We know Ben will give his fight against cancer all he’s got,” Pillen wrote on X. “A relentless advocate for Nebraska values — especially the pro-life movement, agriculture, and common sense — Ben’s love of service and the people of our state is unmistakable.”
Sasse represented Nebraska in the United States Senate from 2015 to early 2023 as a Republican, resigning to become President at the University of Florida. Sen. Pete Ricketts was appointed to fill the seat and also wished Sasse and his family well Tuesday morning.
“I am heartbroken to hear of Ben’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis,” Ricketts said. “Ben’s friendship is a blessing, and I am grateful for all he has done for our country. Susanne and I are praying for Ben, Melissa, and the rest of the Sasse family as they navigate this terrible disease.”
Rep. Don Bacon said he and his wife were “heartbroken” to hear the news.
“He is a strong friend who I love to hear from,” Bacon said. “We are keeping Ben and his family in our prayers and are grateful for his willingness to share his faith and trust in the Almighty during such a difficult moment, reminding us of the eternal promise God has given all of us when we put our faith in Him.”
Sasse’s Senate career was marked by strong opposition to the Affordable Care Act and criticism of President Donald Trump during his 2016 term. Throughout his life and career, Sasse has filled many roles, such as government advisor, professor, university president and public servant.
Sasse, who was born in Plainview, also served as president of Midland University in Fremont from 2009-2014.
