Former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse (R-Nebraska) announced on December 23, 2025, that he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. In a heartfelt post on X, Sasse, 53, shared that he received the news just a week prior, marking a profoundly challenging moment in his life.
“This is a tough note to write,” Sasse stated. “I was diagnosed with metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer, and am gonna die.” He described the condition as “nasty stuff” and referred to it as a “death sentence.” Sasse reflected on the nature of mortality, saying, “But I already had a death sentence before last week too — we all do.”
Sasse expressed gratitude for his close relationships, highlighting the support of his siblings and friends. He quoted a friend who reminded him that while he may be “on the clock,” everyone ultimately shares that fate. “Death is a wicked thief, and the bastard pursues us all,” he wrote.
Facing the Challenge with Resilience
Despite the grim diagnosis, Sasse vowed to approach the situation with determination. “I’m not going down without a fight,” he asserted. He acknowledged the advancements in medical science, particularly in immunotherapy, which offer some hope in the face of his illness. Sasse emphasized that while death is inevitable, the process of dying can still be meaningful.
“We’re zealously embracing a lot of gallows humor in our house,” he noted, adding that he intends to “run through the irreverent tape.” Sasse’s tone conveyed a mix of seriousness and defiance, underscoring his commitment to engage with life despite the challenges ahead.
Sasse stepped down from the Senate in 2023 to become the president of the University of Florida. However, he left that position after a little over a year due to his wife Melissa Sasse’s recent epilepsy diagnosis and associated memory issues.
In his post, Sasse mentioned the timing of his announcement, suggesting that while there is never a good moment to share such news, the season of Advent provides a context for reflection and hope. “As a Christian, the weeks running up to Christmas are a time to orient our hearts toward the hope of what’s to come,” he wrote.
Sasse remains active in academia, continuing to teach classes at the university’s Hamilton Center. His commitment to education and community engagement remains evident, even as he navigates this personal crisis.
The announcement has elicited an outpouring of support from colleagues, friends, and the public, highlighting the impact Sasse has had during his political and academic careers. His frankness about his condition resonates with many, offering a glimpse into the realities of facing a terminal illness.
As Sasse embarks on this difficult journey, his message serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing relationships and moments of joy.
