Rep. Hagedorn announces he’s fighting cancer

U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn, R-Minn. 1st District, on Wednesday announced he’s been receiving treatment for cancer for the past year.

Hagedorn said he was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer on Feb. 15, 2019, and has received care at Mayo Clinic this past year.

"Exactly two months after marrying my wife, Jennifer, and just six weeks into my job as the First District’s Congressman, I was given unexpected and rather shocking news. Just like millions of other Americans, I was told by my doctor: you have cancer," Hagedorn said. "After prayers and long talks with those closest to me, I was determined to fight it like hell."

Hagedorn said the cancer was detected during a routine physical examination, and praised his physicians, nurses and technicians for his treatment.

He also said he’s happy to say he’s been able to continue representing southern Minnesota and hasn’t missed a vote due to his illness.

"Hopefully my situation will help others realize that, in today’s world of medical innovation, it is possible for folks fighting serious illness to live virtually normal lives, continue working their jobs and maintain hope for a bright future," Hagedorn said.

He added that he plans to run for reelection this year.