ann richards diagnosed with cancer

Ann Richards, a Democrat and former Governor of Texas, has been diagnosed with cancer. On Wednesday she announced that she had "been diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus and her treatment could include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of all three." Yesterday, she began treatment at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Richards, 72, was the 45th Governor of Texas, serving from 1991 to 1995. She was succeeded by George W. Bush. She went on to work at the bipartisan Public Strategies, Inc. in New York.

She has been known to fight illness with strength and candor. She admitted that she had once suffered from alcoholism and that she attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, but her spokesperson said that she quit drinking and smoking in 1980. She also wrote a memoir in 2003 about her battle with osteoporosis.

The present Governor of Texas, Republican Rick Perry, released a statement yesterday that reflects the feelings of Texans throughout the state as we hope for the best for our former leader.

"Ann Richards holds a special place in Texas history. [My wife] Anita and I join Texans across the state in sending our prayers and best wishes."

We at NTL also send our best to Ann Richards, a true Texas hero. Here's to a full recovery as you fight this battle... you've done it before and we're convinced that you can do it again.