By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com (Photo by Jake Crandall | The Montgomery Advertiser)

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Last week, Governor Kay Ivey announced her diagnosis with lung cancer. 

The Governor released a full statement on the matter on Thursday:

“Throughout my life, I am constantly reminded that I have so much for which to be thankful; God has been incredibly gracious to me. 

One of the highest honors you have given me is serving as your governor. Because I always shoot straight with you, I want to share a recent challenge that has been placed in front of me. Within the past few weeks, during a routine exam, my longtime family physician discovered a spot on my lung that was unusual. Additional tests confirmed that this was, indeed, a tiny, isolated malignancy.

The good news is I am one of the fortunate ones where this was discovered early, and it is very treatable. The better news is Alabama is home to some of the world’s leading physicians. My team of doctors have assured me this treatment has a very high rate of success and will have a minimal impact on my schedule.

Tomorrow morning, I will travel to UAB for an outpatient procedure, which will allow me to soon begin a series of specialized radiation treatments. None of this will prevent me from continuing to serve as your governor and doing the work you elected me to do.

Naturally, I welcome your prayers and your support. Just as so many others who have been affected by cancer, I am confident of God’s plan and purpose for my life and feel extremely fortunate this was caught so early. May God continue to bless each of you and the great state of Alabama.” 

Ivey, 74, stated her diagnosis was made within the last few weeks and is expected to make a full recovery from what her doctor calls a “tiny, isolated malignancy.” She went through an outpatient procedure at UAB Hospital in Birmingham on Friday. 

Walt Maddox, the Mayor of Tuscaloosa and last year’s Democratic nominee for Governor against Ivey, stated via Twitter, “Stephanie and I join countless others who will be praying for @GovernorKayIvey’s full recovery — we are all united in her journey and in the journeys of so many who are never alone in defeating #cancer.” 

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth stated, “Throughout her career, Kay Ivey has proven herself to be a strong and determined woman who will confront any obstacle placed in her path. The courage and tenacity she has shown in the past will serve her well in the challenge that lies ahead.” 

It was reported by Gina Maniola, Ivey’s press secretary, that the Governor will resume her regular schedule this week.