On Wednesday, Arizona senator, former Republican nominee for President, and American hero, John McCain, was diagnosed with a primary glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain tumor. It’s the same type of tumor that afflicts lead singer of The Tragically Hip, Gord Downie.
Late last week, McCain underwent surgery to remove a blood clot at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix. The proceeding lab results revealed the presence of the cancer.
Wednesday night, the Arizona Coyotes tweeted out a tribute to the 80-year-old senator.
Senator McCain is a patriot, a hero & part of our family. He’s been a fighter his entire life & we know he won’t stop now. – @SWPatterson pic.twitter.com/ITfj2S6RVh
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) July 20, 2017
The message was tweeted by Steve Patterson, the president and CEO of the Arizona Coyotes.
McCain is receiving the kind words from the Coyotes because he’s a longtime hockey fan and ardent supporter of the team. The senator would frequently tweet during games and share opinions about the team’s moves.
#Coyotes win again in shootout, beat #Caps to stay unbeaten at home
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) November 10, 2013
#Coyotes win again in OT – sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good… #NHL
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) November 13, 2013
Tough loss for #Coyotes to #Blackhawks – too many shots on goal
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) November 15, 2013
#Coyotes win again – they sure know how to win ugly
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) February 12, 2013
#Coyotes played #NYRangers last night and #Penguins tonight – somebody shoot the scheduler! #NHL
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) March 25, 2014
Congrats to John Chayka on being named new @ArizonaCoyotes general manager – youngest GM in @NHL history! #Coyotes https://t.co/99zMAsTqlF
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) May 5, 2016
Two great #AZ leaders! “Coyotes’ Shane Doan, Cardinals’ Larry Fitzgerald share mutual respect amid similar careers” https://t.co/eaEt8Luicg
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) February 7, 2017
Congrats to Rick Tocchet on being named @ArizonaCoyotes head coach – welcome back to #Arizona! https://t.co/m0q2wBIpUo
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) July 11, 2017
McCain has also been spotted at many games at Gila River Arena.
Such a pleasure to finally meet @SenJohnMcCain after interviewing him quite a few times for @KTAR923 Go Coyotes!! #gocoyotes pic.twitter.com/Isr65mU2wW
— Ashley Flood (@AshleynFlood) March 12, 2017
Thank you @SenJohnMcCain for taking time for a picture with Addisyn at the #Coyotes game last night! pic.twitter.com/2FkO7gTLht
— Patrick Lauder (@phxpatrick) March 29, 2016
Here’s one I never thought I’d see. John McCain. #Coyotes #CHIvsARI https://t.co/Tqy0BblCgZ @SenJohnMcCain pic.twitter.com/o04uKEU5tk
— NHLgif (@NHLgif_) December 30, 2015
Thank you to @SenJohnMcCain for joining us tonight! #CHIvsARI pic.twitter.com/LIxLQHFuQZ
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) December 30, 2015
The Coyotes even gave out bobbleheads of McCain wearing an Arizona Coyotes jersey.
Welcome @SenJohnMcCain to my #bobblehead family! #Bobblelife #Coyotes pic.twitter.com/jyFCxL8ntO
— Bill Gentz (@air44bg) January 12, 2016
Via CNN, McCain has already received words of support and encouragement from the last two Presidents of the United States.
“Senator John McCain has always been a fighter,” President Donald Trump said in a statement. “Melania and I send our thoughts and prayers to Senator McCain, Cindy, and their entire family. Get well soon.”
Former President Barack Obama, McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign opponent, tweeted his support.
“Cancer doesn’t know what it’s up against. Give it hell, John,” the 44th president wrote.
McCain’s daughter Meghan penned a beautiful statement.
Statement regarding my father @SenJohnMcCain: pic.twitter.com/SMte9Hkwkq
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) July 20, 2017
RMNB’s Chris Gordon, a personal friend of McCain’s who worked for him on Capitol Hill, extended his support.
Shaken. But my former boss is nothing but not a fighter. And a great and decent man. https://t.co/NPxWoVydsv
— Chris Gordon (@Chris_Gordon) July 20, 2017
For more information about McCain’s condition, Dr. Sanjay Gupta has a great explainer with CNN’s Anderson Cooper.
Headline photo: Norm Hall
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