Ben Sasse Shares News of His Cancer Diagnosis
This week, former Republican Senator Ben Sasse shared some unexpected news.
On Tuesday, he revealed that he has been diagnosed with metastatic stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He noted that it’s likely only a matter of time before he passes, describing cancer in stark terms, referring to it as an “evil thief.”
At 53 years old, Sasse’s announcement was both startling and poignant. His message is worth reading in full. He touches on significant themes like his Christian faith, family, and the essence of Christmas—some aspects of which are quite somber. However, one line in particular resonated with me.
This is a tough note to write, but many people are starting to suspect something, so I’ll cut to the chase. Last week I was diagnosed with metastatic stage 4 pancreatic cancer and am dying.
Advanced pancreas is a tricky thing. That’s a death sentence…
— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse)
“Death and dying are not the same. The process of dying is still something to be lived,” Sasse wrote. He added that humor—specifically gallows humor—has become a way for his family to cope as they navigate this difficult journey.
It’s such a thoughtful perspective! The idea of “running through the irreverent tape” is powerful.
Of course, many might feel that when faced with terminal illness, lightheartedness can seem trivial. But Sasse recognizes the dark humor in his situation. He’s not looking for grand adventures; rather, he aims to embrace his fate with grace and humor.
His family has opted for a good dose of gallows humor, which speaks volumes about our human nature. Humor has a unique power, one that helps us deal with harsh realities.
It’s fascinating really; humans understand humor even before they can form words. Infants can laugh long before saying “mama” or “dada.” You can even get a baby to laugh by simply hiding your face and then grinning at them.
Why is that? Maybe humor serves as a vital coping mechanism. It allows us to diffuse tension, to turn insults into something laughable. Take, for instance, when Hillary Clinton referred to Trump supporters as “deplorables.” The term was quickly adopted as a badge of honor by those she insulted, flipping the narrative from hurtful to humorous. Children, especially, may laugh to navigate their unfamiliar environments.
Moreover, gallows humor can act as a buffer against despair. I recall an anecdote from World War I—an officer encouraging his men to march forward, only to lose an arm to an explosion moments later. Rather than panic, those soldiers laughed as they plunged into danger.
Sasse tries to find laughter even now. Acknowledging the challenging odds, he keeps looking for the irony and humor until the somber end arrives. It’s an inspirational outlook that many could learn from.
Stoically, Sasse faces this battle. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family, and I hope for a miracle. If not, Godspeed to him, and perhaps we can revisit discussions on his political choices in the past.
