State Rep. Steve Hailey, a legislator from Eastern Washington, announced this morning that he is undergoing treatment for colon cancer.
Hailey, R-Mesa, said he was diagnosed shortly before the legislative session started Jan. 14th. He last week began chemotherapy, he said, an is planning to continue his legislative work as much as possible during treatment.
"This is one of the toughest challenges of my life, but I feel strongly that I have an obligation to be candid about what I'm dealing with and what's ahead," the rancher and former Army helicopter pilot said in a written statement. "Saying `I've got cancer' should not suggest that I'm not up to the emotional and physical demands of battling through this. I've been in rough spots before, and I'm confident and optimistic for a positive outcome."
He's urging people to have regular testing and screenings for the disease.
"The prognosis is favorable," he said, saying he and his doctors are grateful for the prayers of friends and are confident he'll make a full recovery.
Hailey represents the 9th legislative district, a roughly triangle-shaped district stretching from southern Spokane county to the Idaho and Oregon borders and west to the Othello area. The district's other lawmakers are Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, and freshman Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax.

---

---