Former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne will soon begin chemotherapy for colon cancer, according to his daughter.
Kempthorne’s recent cancer diagnosis came as “a profound shock” to his family.
The 73-year-old urged everyone to get updated tests writing, “I have confidence in the medical community, which has greatly improved cancer treatment.”
Kempthorne previously served as Mayor of Boise, U.S. Senator from Idaho (1992), Governor of Idaho (1998, 2002), and U.S. Secretary of the Interior.
In his family’s statement, Kempthorne’s daughter said his greatest joy has always been his role as “Pop Dirk” to his seven grandchildren.
“Throughout my life, I have tackled many challenges head-on. I will do the same with this–which may be the challenge of my lifetime. I hope that sharing this message will help others,” said Kempthorne.
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