Marcelle Leahy, the spouse of Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., is being treated for cancer, the senator’s office announced Tuesday.
She was first diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a blood and bone marrow cancer, in 2019, according to a press release, and began treatment on Tuesday. The 79-year-old registered nurse had previously been treated for skin cancer.
In a written statement, Marcelle Leahy said she was grateful that the leukemia was in its early stages and that the “prognosis is extremely encouraging.” She also took the opportunity to urge people who have deferred health appointments due to the Covid-19 pandemic to visit their providers.
“I encourage everyone who has postponed their regular checkups to schedule those now, and for those postponing treatment due to the pandemic to return as soon as possible,” she said. “We can win more battles against cancer if we commit to regular exams and early treatment.”
The news of her treatment comes days after she and Sen. Leahy toured Vermont during a congressional recess. They have since returned to the Washington, D.C., area, where she is being treated as an outpatient.
Sen. Leahy, who at 81 years old serves as the dean of the Senate and chairs the Senate Committee on Appropriations, tweeted about the diagnosis on Tuesday.
Marcelle and I were glad to have time in Vermont last week seeing Vermonters and supporting Vermont’s response to the pandemic. We both needed it as Marcelle prepares this week to begin treatment to address a chronic leukemia condition that she was diagnosed with in 2019. pic.twitter.com/pVd7iOSiUG
— Sen. Patrick Leahy (@SenatorLeahy) May 11, 2021
“Marcelle and I were glad to have time in Vermont last week seeing Vermonters and supporting Vermont’s response to the pandemic,” he wrote. “We both needed it as Marcelle prepares this week to begin treatment to address a chronic leukemia condition that she was diagnosed with in 2019.”
“So proud of her as she takes on this challenge,” he added.
Marcelle and Sen. Leahy have been married since 1962 and have three children.
