(WXYZ) — Long-serving Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson announced Tuesday he has stage-4 pancreatic cancer. He was diagnosed on March 15.
Patterson began his public service to Oakland County more than 40 years ago. He served as Oakland County Prosecutor for 16 years and was elected as executive in 1992. He said he intends to finish out his term despite the diagnosis but will not seek re-election.
The county politician received well-wishes from fellow officials regarding his diagnosis.
Warren C. Evans, Wayne County's 4th Chief Executive Officer, tweeted his words of encouragement:
My prayers are with Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and his family today. Attempting to beat stage 4 pancreatic cancer is the ultimate fight, but if there is one thing about Brooks that we can all agree on, it’s that he’s a fighter. We will all be cheering him on.
— Warren C. Evans (@CountyExecEvans) March 26, 2019
Michigan Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence expressed her support:
Sending prayers and healing vibes to Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson on the news of his Stage 4 pancreatic cancer announcement. ❤️
— Brenda Lawrence (@BrendaLLawrence) March 26, 2019
Additional support and words of encouragement came in via social media:
Thank you @OaklandCounty Executive L. Brooks Patterson for your steadfast leadership and for supporting our campaign! 💪🇺🇸 @BrooksPatterson #LetsFlyMI #TeamJohnJames #MISen pic.twitter.com/FkSJTRioQc
— John James (@JohnJamesMI) April 27, 2018
My prayers are with @BrooksPatterson and his family during this difficult time. L. Brooks Patterson is a fighter—and if there is one person who can beat this, it’s him. pic.twitter.com/e0yhPrN1TI
— Laura Cox (@MIGOPChair) March 26, 2019
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel offered these kind words:
I am shocked by the news my friend Brooks Patterson has stage 4 pancreatic cancer. It's a sad story. It's not what you want to hear. With anybody who has cancer, you're fighting for your life. He's always been a fighter. My thoughts and prayers are with Brooks and his family during this new challenge.
Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell released this statement:
“Brooks Patterson has been divisive on many regional issues and his rhetoric has sometimes been negative and hurtful. Yet he has been very passionate about Oakland County, and the county has truly benefitted from his strict financial discipline and leadership. I wish him well and pray for him during his battle with cancer.”
