A Leader's Battle: Facing Cancer with Courage

Former University of Florida President Shares Heartfelt Message

Ben Sasse, the former President of the University of Florida, has publicly disclosed that he is battling an advanced stage of pancreatic cancer. The news, shared on a social media platform, came as a shock to many.

A Terminal Diagnosis

Sasse revealed that he decided to come forward after friends began to notice something was amiss. He described the cancer as terminal, having spread beyond his pancreas. The revelation came just a week ago, leaving little time for him to process the news.

Reflections on Life and Mortality

In his post, Sasse reflected on mortality, stating that death is an unwelcome visitor that affects everyone. He recounted his journey, which included serving as a U.S. Senator from Nebraska and later as the President of the University of Florida.

A Brief Tenure at the University of Florida

His tenure at the university was relatively short, lasting only 17 months before he stepped down in July 2024. The decision to resign came after his wife, Melissa, was diagnosed with epilepsy. Despite leaving his presidential role, Sasse continued to contribute to the university as a professor.

Facing the Challenge

Sasse acknowledged the difficulty of his diagnosis, not just as a patient, but also as a husband, father, and someone driven by work. He mentioned that he has less time than he would like, but he is determined not to give up without a fight.

The Importance of Family

The post highlighted the importance of his family, particularly his wife and their three children. He shared that their bond has grown stronger over the past year and celebrated his children's recent achievements. Sasse noted that while there is no perfect time to share such news, the hope brought by the holiday season makes the present moment a bit easier.

A Message of Peace

As he and his family prepare for the challenges ahead, Sasse expressed a wish for peace for his readers. The post concluded with a heartfelt message from Ben and the Sasse family.