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Getbig Main Boards => Politics and Political Issues Board => Topic started by: Dos Equis on July 20, 2016, 01:13:18 PM
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RIP. Cancer sucks.
U.S. Rep. Mark Takai dies after battle with pancreatic cancer
By Kevin Dayton
July 20, 2016
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CRAIG T. KOJIMA / NOV. 2014 U.S. Rep. K. Mark Takai died this morning in Honolulu, nine months after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
U.S. Rep. K. Mark Takai died this morning in Honolulu, nine months after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. A statement from his office said Takai passed away at his home, surrounded by his family. He was 49.
The City Council’s Budget Committee was in session at Honolulu Hale at about 9:15 a.m. when word broke of Takai’s passing.
The usually stoic Budget Chairwoman Ann Kobayashi stopped her meeting, and through tears, asked for a moment of silence. “I know our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” she said, her voice shaking.
Attempting to proceed with her committee agenda with an item involving a sale of wastewater system revenue bonds, Kobayashi said “OK, we have to go on with business.” But she had to pause to compose herself before continuing.
“The Takai family thanks the people of Hawaii for their support during this difficult time,” said a statement from Takai’s office. “The Takai family politely asks for the continued respect of their family’s privacy.”
Takai publicly confirmed last November he had been diagnosed with cancer, and he underwent surgery at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. to remove a small tumor in his pancreas.
Takai said doctors found the tumor in late October while testing him to determine why he had been experiencing some stomach pain. Takai said the cancer was caught early, and tests showed that the tumor was “isolated.”
“I am in good spirits and thankful that my prognosis remains good thanks to the early detection,” he said at the time. “My family and I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, support and prayers. We ask for your continued prayers, support and respect for our privacy during this challenging time.”
Takai returned to Congress on a limited work schedule in early December after undergoing surgery, and began chemotherapy at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.
“The diagnosis really brings things quickly into focus,” Takai said in a statement after his surgery. “It reminds me of what’s important, and for me that’s faith, family and fighting for Hawaii.”
He announced on Feb. 17 that he would seek re-election to a second term in Congress, saying he hoped to campaign and “aggressively fight this cancer” at the same time.
He announced he had changed those plans and would not run for re-election in an announcement on May 19 after he learned the cancer had spread.
“In life, we often make plans for ourselves,” Takai said in his statement at the time. “I had envisioned a long career in the U.S. House of Representatives, building up the seniority and influence that were key to Sen. (Daniel) Inouye’s ability to deliver for Hawaii. But as often happens, we find ourselves on a different journey than what we had planned.”
Takai said that “putting Hawaii and its people first means that I must regretfully withdraw from my 2016 re-election race for Congress and suspend my campaign. Right now, for the sake of my family, I need to focus on getting better rather than getting re-elected.”
Takai was elected to his first term in Congress last year, and represents urban Oahu.
The Democrat served in the state Legislature for 20 years before winning election last year to the U.S. House seat that was vacated by former Rep. Colleen Hanabusa.
Takai was an Iraq War veteran who deployed to the Middle East in 2009, and is a lieutenant colonel in the Hawaii Army National Guard. He worked for the Guard as a preventive medical officer.
Takai is survived by Sami Takai, and their children are Matthew, 14, and Kaila, 13.
Takai’s staff said information regarding a service will be available later.
http://www.staradvertiser.com/breaking-news/u-s-rep-mark-takai-dies-after-battle-with-pancreatic-cancer/