We are saddened to report this story. We hope and pray that Mr. Rogers can beat this.
Burbank Mayor Will Rogers Announces He Has Cancer
Will Reduce His Mayoral Obligations
Burbank, Calif. (September 20, 2017) – Burbank Mayor Will Rogers stated today that he has an aggressive form of liver cancer and his doctor has ordered him to reduce his Mayoral activities in order to receive treatment and rest.
At a press conference, Mayor Rogers announced, “It is with much regret that I must step back on my activities but my primary focus right now is to get well. While I will remain Mayor, I have asked Vice-Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy to help by fulfilling some of my official responsibilities. She has graciously accepted.”
Throughout his career as a journalist, while campaigning and in his capacity as a City Councilmember, Mayor Rogers has made it his highest priority to provide transparency and honesty. “I have repeatedly pledged to ensure that the community has access to the information it needs. I’ve tried to instill and encourage this culture throughout the city and I’m convinced this effort is succeeding.”
“Today is another example of openness. While I want to protect my privacy, I also feel that our community has a right to know why they will not see me as often at ribbon cuttings and community meetings.”
The entire City Council is standing by Rogers. “It is an extremely courageous act for our Mayor to share his personal challenge with all of us,” stated Vice-Mayor Gabel-Luddy. “I know that I speak for the full City Council when I say that we are in complete support of his efforts and look forward to continuing our work with him. Mayor Rogers provides Burbank with outstanding service and we know the community, along with Will’s friends and family, will be understanding and supportive. We wish him the best as he focuses on this challenge.”
Mayor Rogers has been diagnosed with stage 4 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and non-alcoholic cirrhosis. While most forms of hepatocellular carcinoma are thought to be related to hepatitis, Mayor Rogers has not been diagnosed with this disease. In his case a transplant along with traditional forms of chemotherapy have been ruled out. He is currently participating in drug trials and immuno-therapy.
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More about Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer.
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/
More about immuno-therapy: https://www.cancer.gov/about-
Professional Medical Source: Dr. Samuel Klempner (310) 231-2167, Medical Oncology
The Angeles Clinic & Research Institute – Affiliated with Cedars Sinai Medical Center
Dr. Klempner has been authorized to confirm the Mayor’s status as a patient, and provide basic, generalized information about the illnesses involved. No personal information will be given.
