Former Senator Ben Sasse, 53, revealed this week he is facing a terminal diagnosis of stage four pancreatic cancer. The announcement, delivered with stark honesty, acknowledged the gravity of the situation: “I’m gonna die.” He shared the news after noticing growing concern among those close to him, choosing directness over speculation.
Sasse didn’t shy away from the brutal reality of the disease, describing advanced pancreatic cancer as a “death sentence.” Yet, he immediately countered that truth with a deeper perspective – a recognition that mortality is a universal condition. He found solace in the shared human experience of living with time’s limitations.
He spoke of a remarkable network of support, describing his siblings and close friends as “genuine brothers.” One friend’s simple observation – that everyone is “on the clock” – resonated deeply. Sasse acknowledged the pain of a shortened timeline, particularly as a husband and father, but emphasized the profound strength of his family.
His words painted a vivid picture of a life brimming with recent joy. His daughter, Corrie, recently commissioned into the Air Force, is pursuing her dream of flight. Another daughter, Alex, graduated college early while simultaneously excelling as a teaching assistant. Even his youngest, Breck, is learning to drive, marking another milestone in a family full of life’s transitions.
The timing of the diagnosis, during the Advent season, held particular significance for Sasse, a devout Christian. He found a poignant connection between the anticipation of Christmas and the hope for what lies beyond this life. It wasn’t a naive optimism, he clarified, but a profound faith in a “real Deliverer.”
Sasse distinguished between hope and optimism, arguing that true hope transcends mere positive thinking. He recognized that optimism falters in the face of profound loss – the thought of missing his daughters’ weddings, the grief his parents would endure. He described a hope rooted in something far more substantial, a belief in a rescuing God.
He drew strength from the words of Isaiah, acknowledging that even in darkness, there is light. The promise of eternal life offered a perspective that tempered the pain of present suffering. He quoted the hymn, “When we’ve been there 10,000 years…We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise,” a testament to his unwavering faith.
Despite the grim prognosis, Sasse vowed to fight. He expressed gratitude for the remarkable advancements in medical science, particularly in immunotherapy, and embraced the journey ahead with a determined spirit. He spoke of finding humor even in the face of death, promising to “run through the irreverent tape.”
Ultimately, Sasse’s message was one of peace and gratitude. He shared a passage from Isaiah, proclaiming the dawn of light in darkness, and offered his heartfelt wishes for a blessed Christmas. He signed the message, not just as Ben Sasse, but as Ben – and the Sasses, a family united in faith and love.
