Yesterday, the office of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
“I am saddened to report that Florida’s esteemed First Lady and my beloved wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer. As the mother of three young children, Casey is the centerpiece of our family and has made an impact on the lives of countless Floridians through her initiatives as First Lady. As she faces the most difficult test of her life, she will have not only have my unwavering support but the support of our entire family, as well as the prayers and well wishes from Floridians across our state. Casey is a true fighter, and she will never, never, never give up.”
During her time as First Lady, DeSantis has been a part of and led numerous initiatives.
DeSantis has led Hope Florida – A Pathway to Prosperity, Economic Self-Sufficiency, and Hope. The initiative was created to be a part of the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to focus on “community collaboration between the private sector, faith-based community, nonprofits and government entities to break down traditional community silos, to maximize resources and uncover opportunities.”
She also took part in working with numerous sports athletes and coaches destigmatizing mental health issues and sharing their personal stories of resilience through the Resiliency Florida initiative.
DeSantis also worked to inform Florida’s young people about the dangers of substance abuse by launching the “The Facts. Your Future.” campaign. The initiative is designed to increase awareness in Florida’s youth of the toxic effects of substance abuse and was backed by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran, and then-Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees.
Florida officials from the across the political spectrum expressed support for the DeSantis family following the announcement of the diagnosis.
“Our hearts are with Florida’s First Lady Casey DeSantis and her family,” said Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried (D). “We are all praying for you!”
Our hearts are with Florida's First Lady Casey DeSantis and her family. We are all praying for you! 💜🙏
— Nikki Fried (@NikkiFried) October 4, 2021
“The prayers of the entire Senate family are with our wonderful First Lady Casey DeSantis, Governor DeSantis and their entire family as they face this serious health challenge,” said Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson (R-FL-10).
The prayers of the entire Senate family are with our wonderful First Lady Casey DeSantis, Governor DeSantis and their entire family as they face this serious health challenge. pic.twitter.com/V7fbvFen22
— Wilton Simpson (@WiltonSimpson) October 4, 2021
The DeSantises have three young children.
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Grant Holcomb is a reporter at the Florida Capital Star and the Star News Network. Follow Grant on Twitter and direct message tips.
