FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry announced Monday he has been diagnosed with “late-stage” stomach cancer. The longtime Summit City mayor announced the diagnosis during a media briefing outside the Mayor’s Office Monday afternoon.
“My initials scans have shown that the cancer is currently spreading through my lymph nodes and to other organs in my body,” Henry said. “Because of that, my prognosis is not good.”
Mayor Henry wins national award for Fort Wayne’s sustainability efforts Henry said he plans to start chemotherapy treatment next week.
The news comes around one month after Henry’s wife, Cindy, died following a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.
Despite the announcement, Henry said he plans to continue working for the City of Fort Wayne and its citizens.
“I also have confidence in my ability to carry out my term as your mayor for as long as God permits,” Henry said.
Henry said he plans to provide health updates when possible, but he did not answer any questions after the media briefing.
Public Response
Following Henry’s announcement, political figures both inside and outside Fort Wayne expressed their support for Henry and his upcoming fight against cancer.
“I am heartsick to hear of the Mayor’s diagnosis, especially after the travails he endured over the last year with his wife’s passing,” said Fort Wayne City Councilman Russ Jehl in a statement. “My prayers for the Mayor are renewed in earnest. I have full confidence in the Deputy Mayor and senior staff who have previously shouldered the extra load they will again bear.”
“Prayers of peace and healing for my friend Mayor Tom Henry,” said Columbia City Mayor Ryan Daniel on Facebook.
“I extend my heartfelt support to Mayor Tom Henry during this challenging time. His leadership has been invaluable to our community, and I am grateful for his dedication to our city,” said Fort Wayne City Councilwoman Michelle Chambers in a statement. “As he embarks on his treatment journey, I remain optimistic that with treatment, faith, and the support of loved ones, he will overcome this obstacle. My thoughts are with him, and I believe in the power of healing and resilience.”
“Tom Henry is strong both physically and mentally. He has been through a great deal in the past year, but he is prepared to continue to lead our great city in 2024 and far beyond,” said Fort Wayne City Councilman Geoff Paddock. “When I spoke with him he was upbeat, jovial, and optimistic about the future. He is also surrounding himself with his family and close friends.”
You can find Paddock’s full statement here.
“As our city still mourns the loss of esteemed First Lady, Cindy Henry, we were stunned to hear the news of Mayor Tom Henry’s cancer diagnosis,” said Fort Wayne City Clerk Lana Keesling. “My heart and prayers go out to him and the entire Henry family at this time. Now is the time to show how our community pulls together and supports one another in times of need.”
Poster Comment:
He's finally going to be a good Democrat. Good & dead.