The tragic news that Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) has Stage 4 pancreatic cancer should be enough to stir the hearts of each and every American.

But I fear the equal tragedy is that, in fact, in our tribalistic and celebrity-obsessed culture, too few of our fellow Americans will ascribe to Lewis the deep respect, admiration and caring he deserves.

Yes, the 79-year-old John Lewis has served in the halls of Congress since 1987, and yes, he is even often called “the conscience of the Congress.”

But John Lewis is no mere politician. That’s not why he deserves our immediate thoughts and prayers, now facing such a grim prognosis.

No, he ought to transcend partisanship for all Americans, as John Lewis is a true American hero.

Not only was Lewis a leader in the struggle for civil rights and racial equality during the 1960s, he was repeatedly attacked physically and beaten for his work.

An epic photo.
We’re in your corner,
Congressman #JohnLewis. pic.twitter.com/Bmq6sgkfNe

— The King Center (@TheKingCenter) December 30, 2019

And yet Lewis never gave up on the ideals of nonviolent change and progress.

Lewis says that he will bring the same tenacity to fighting his very deadly disease. And whether Democrat or Republican, young or old, or black or white, you owe it to learn more about the John Lewis legacy for now is the time he needs our support.

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