Rep. Lee Zeldin was diagnosed with early-stage chronic
myeloid leukemia in November and has “achieved complete remission” according to
a statement issued Saturday afternoon.
“Over the last 9 months, I have achieved complete remission,
am expected to live a normal life, and my doctor says I currently have no
evidence of this disease in my system. My health is phenomenal, and I continue
to operate at 110%,” Zeldin statement says in part.
The third-term Republican is seeking the nomination for
governor. According to
reports, he made the revelation during a dinner for the
Ontario County Republican Committee as a way of encouraging another official in
attendance with health issues.
Jeffrey Vacirca M.D., Rep. Zeldin’s hematologist, also
issued a statement that reads: “In November 2020, following a diagnosis
of early chronic myeloid leukemia, Congressman Zeldin began targeted therapy,
to which he immediately responded extraordinarily well and has achieved
complete remission. Successfully treated early chronic myeloid leukemia is now
a chronic disease, which carries a normal life expectancy. Congressman Zeldin
is incredibly healthy, is expected to enjoy a normal life and has no evidence
of disease.”