Ryan Nicol
Rep. Kristin Jacobs returned to Tallahassee Monday after undergoing a series of radiation and chemotherapy treatments for colorectcal cancer.
Jacobs originally only expected to miss the first week of Session, but the recovery took her an extra week. The Coconut Creek Democrat says she’s been told the cancer has not metastasized. While the treatments lessened the size of the tumor, a separate surgery is scheduled after Session ends to remove the tumor.
This was the return of a cancer doctors first found in 2016. At the time, Jacobs was able to undergo treatments in a manner that didn’t force her to miss any legislative responsibilities.
Jacobs, who represents House District 96, has filed several bills for 2019, including measures on sober homes and an effort to set up a compensation fund for victims of the Parkland shooting. She says other legislators helped her navigate those bills during her absence.
“All of leadership knows and different members and chairs of committees have stepped up to move my bills along which is amazing,” Jacobs said. “I’m really humbled and blessed.”
Rep. Carlos G. Smith welcomed Jacobs back with a post on Twitter.
“So amazing to be able to welcome back my colleague, Rep. @KristinJacobsFL to the Florida House!,” Smith said.
“She’s been going thru intense chemo and radiation to fight against cancer! Proud of our she-ro!”
So amazing to be able to welcome back my colleague, Rep. @KristinJacobsFL to the Florida House! She’s been going thru intense chemo and radiation to fight against cancer! Proud of our she-ro! 👸 pic.twitter.com/YIylEcYcSP
— Rep. Carlos G Smith (@CarlosGSmith) March 18, 2019
