• Former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse announced he has stage-four pancreatic cancer.
• Sasse describes the diagnosis as a "death sentence" but emphasizes living fully.
• The 53-year-old former senator served Nebraska from 2015 to 2023.

Former Senator Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) announced via social media that he has been diagnosed with terminal stage-four pancreatic cancer. In his poignant message, Sasse, 53, stated, "Last week I was diagnosed with metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer, and am gonna die," emphasizing the severity of his condition according to The Hill, CBS News, BBC, and Reuters.

Sasse's announcement highlights his acknowledgment of the challenges ahead while also reflecting on life and faith. He noted that while pancreatic cancer is daunting, "Death and dying aren’t the same — the process of dying is still something to be lived," as he expressed hope in recent medical advancements in treatment options, particularly immunotherapy. "I’m not going down without a fight," he declared in his post according to The Hill, CBS News, BBC, and Reuters.

During his tenure, Sasse was known not only for his political positions but also for his vote to impeach former President Trump. He represented Nebraska in the Senate from 2015 until his resignation in 2023, when he became president of the University of Florida—a position he relinquished after his wife's health challenges. Sasse shared insights about his family's journey while emphasizing the preciousness of time, aligning his reflections with the Advent season, a time he regards as hopeful, according to The Hill, CBS News, and BBC.