DeSantis Says Wife Casey Is Cancer Free

DeSantis Says Wife Casey Is Cancer Free
Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis and his wife Casey react after appearing at his midterm election night party in Orlando, Florida, on Nov. 6, 2018. Carlo Allegri/Reuters
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PUNTA GORDA, Florida–Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took to Twitter on March 3 to announce that his wife has been declared cancer-free.

In October, DeSantis announced that his wife, Casey DeSantis, was diagnosed with breast cancer.  By January she had completed her chemotherapy treatments, and announced during the state of the state address on Jan. 11 that 2022 would be the year she would be “cancer-free.”

“I have a positive update about my wife Casey DeSantis. After going through both treatment and surgery for breast cancer, she is now considered cancer-free,” the governor announced via Twitter and in a press statement.

He thanked those who had sent Florida’s first lady well wishes for a full recovery.

“All of you who have given thoughts and prayers to my family and my wife, thank you. It’s lifted her spirits and made a tremendous difference,” he said. “She still has more to do, but she is confident she’s gonna make a full recovery.”

Casey DeSantis said via Twitter: “There are no words to express how truly blessed, grateful, and humbled I am to hear the words cancer-free.”

She sent words of encouragement to others who are struggling with a cancer diagnosis:

“To those who are in the fight, know there is hope. Have faith, and stay strong.”

The governor offered optimistic words to other women who are battling the disease by saying that his wife is “proof positive” that it can be overcome.

“For all the women out there, who are going through breast cancer right now—you can overcome this,” he said in a written statement. I know it’s very difficult, but my wife is proof positive, and this is the exact type of news we had hoped for.”

The 41-year-old mother of three was a former producer and on-air host for the PGA Tour, and won an Emmy for on-air talent while working at a Jacksonville television station.  She is also a three-time National Champion equestrian.

Some of the First Lady’s initiatives include Hope Florida–A Pathway to Prosperity, a collaboration between the foster care system and private sector, faith-based communities, nonprofits, and government entities.

Casey DeSantis also started the Resiliency Florida initiative, which partners with sports teams and athletes to “address the stigma surrounding mental health,” according to her online biography.