Ben Sasse, the former U.S. Senator from Nebraska, publicly revealed on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with stage-four pancreatic cancer, a condition he described as terminal. In a heartfelt message shared with the public, Sasse, 53, opened up about his diagnosis and the inevitable confrontation with mortality.
"Death is a wicked thief, and the bastard pursues us all," Sasse wrote. "Death and dying aren't the same—the process of dying is still something to be lived."
Sasse wrote, "Last week I was diagnosed with metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer, and am gonna die. Advanced pancreatic is nasty stuff; it’s a death sentence. But I already had a death sentence before last week too—we all do. I’ve got less time than I’d prefer." His candid reflection on life and death was shared on social media, where he has a significant following.
Throughout his career, Sasse has been known for his principled stances, sometimes taking controversial positions. Serving as a Senator from 2015 to 2023, he later transitioned to become the president of the University of Florida. His tenure in academia was brief, as he stepped down to support his wife, Melissa, who was diagnosed with epilepsy and faced memory challenges.
The Sasses have three children, their lives intertwining with public service; one daughter is a member of the U.S. Air Force, another has recently completed college, and they have a 14-year-old son. Sasse's diagnosis has brought a wave of support from political colleagues and peers. Vice President JD Vance expressed his condolences, saying, "May God bless you and your family," while former colleague Deb Fischer (R-NE) offered prayers and highlighted Sasse's strong faith and family support.
In his message, Sasse also touched on the emotional impact of facing a terminal diagnosis as a family man, using evocative language to describe death as a "wicked thief." He shared that his family is embracing gallows humor and that he intends to live fully through the process of dying.
Sasse's tenure in the Senate was marked by his willingness to take high-profile stands, including his vote to convict President Donald Trump during the second impeachment trial following the January 6 Capitol riot. His leadership role at the University of Florida was met with protests over his conservative positions on issues such as same-sex marriage and LGBT rights.
Despite the grim prognosis, Sasse expressed a sense of hope, grounded in his Christian faith and the advancements in medical science, particularly in immunotherapy. He differentiated between the concepts of death and dying, emphasizing the importance of living through the process.
The outpouring of support following Ben Sasse's announcement is a testament to his impact on public life and the personal connections he has formed over the years. His message serves as a poignant reminder of the universal human experience of facing mortality and the strength found in faith, family, and community.
