Gov. Ron DeSantis has revealed that his wife Casey has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Governor’s office announced the diagnosis in a written statement on Oct.4.
“I am saddened to report that Florida’s esteemed First Lady and my beloved wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a written statement. “As the mother of three young children, Casey is the centerpiece of our family and has made an impact on the lives of countless Floridians – Casey is a true fighter, and she will never, never, never give up.”
During her tenure as Florida’s First Lady, Casey DeSantis, 41 undertook a series of initiatives including the Resiliency Florida Initiative which partners with professional sports teams and athletes including Tom Brady, David Beckham, Peyton Manning, Lou Holtz, Tony Dungy, and others to address the stigma surrounding mental health.
The recently launched Hope Florida initiative encourages private, faith-based and community nonprofits to provide educational and employment opportunities for single parents, Floridians on government assistance and others.
In response to the announcement, Florida officials on both sides of the political aisle pledged their support for Casey DeSantis and her family.
“The prayers of the entire Senate family are with our wonderful First Lady Casey DeSantis, Governor DeSantis and their entire family as they face this serious health challenge,” said State Senate President Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby) in a Tweet.
Florida Rep. Blaise Ingoglia (R-Spring Hill) called DeSantis “a fighter.”
“I think I can speak on behalf of Hernando County, State of Florida, and the nation when I say we are praying for her and the DeSantis family,” Ingoglia said in a written statement.
Likewise, current Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried expressed her support.
“Our hearts are with Florida’s First Lady Casey DeSantis and her family” Tweeted Fried who is challenging DeSantis in the upcoming gubernatorial election “We are all praying for you!”
Married in 2010, Ron and Casey DeSantis are the parents of three children, Madison age 4, Mason age 3, and 18-month-old Mamie.
