Subscribe to our US Editor's Choice newsletter to receive the latest exclusive content An Oregona representative has shared the heartbre...
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An Oregona representative has shared the heartbreaking information that she has been diagnosed with stage threecancer, only a month after her friend andanother legislator passed away due to the illness.
Annessa Hartman, 37, stated in a release that she has been diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer and will start undergoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy next month.
'Although this diagnosis is frightening, my medical team and I remain hopeful about my treatment plan, and I approach this new phase with clear thinking and resolve,' theDemocrat rep wrote.
Hartman works within the state legislature and is the representative for Oregon's District 40, covering areas such as Gladstone, Oregon City, Johnson City, Jennings Lodge, Oatfield, and portions of unincorporated North Clackamas County.
She took office in 2022 and was re-elected the previous year. In September, the mother of two revealed she would be stepping down from the legislature to devote more time to her daughters and concentrate on community-level politics.
In her remarks after receiving her diagnosis this week, Hartman stated that it would not stop her from seeking a position on the Clackamas County Commission.
'Serving the public is not just something I do when times are good; it's a principle I deeply commit to, particularly at this moment,' she stated.
This conclusion has only reinforced my feeling of direction and my dedication to creating a space where empathy, responsibility, and collective support influence our choices.
Hartman shared details about the challenging weeks she faced while dealing with the diagnosis, yet she showed appreciation for her network of support.
The state representative continued by stating that she wished to announce the information with a sense of openness.
She mentioned that she would stand with Oregonians facing health emergencies, while also managing the 'flawed' healthcare system and the difficulties of everyday life.
Hartman concluded her speech by encouraging people to get cancer screenings and take care of their well-being.
"And kindly, take it slow enough to experience your life as you live it," she said.
Life is delicate, incredibly fragile, yet it can be amazingly beautiful if you choose to experience it fully rather than hurry through it.
While serving in the legislative body, Hartman was the head of the Early Childhood and Human Services Committee.
She was also a member of the House Committee focused on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water, as well as the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee dealing with Natural Resources.
Hartman's latest Instagram update was a homage to her friend and fellow representative, Hòa Nguyễn.
Nguyễn passed away last month at the age of 41 following a struggle with advanced cancer. During her final weeks, she still made appearances at the State Capitol to cast her vote on legislative matters.
Hartman wrote a heartfelt tribute to her friend, commending Nguyễn for standing by her throughout her political career and offering constant support during challenging periods.
"I will always be thankful for the chance to have walked a small part of her journey in life. Until we meet again, dear friend," Hartman wrote. A memorial ceremony for Nguyễn was organized by lawmakers this week.
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