Hagedorn

BLUE EARTH — U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn (First Minnesota District) announced Wednesday he is being treated for cancer.

Hagedorn said he was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer on February 15, 2019, and has received care and immunotherapy at Rochester’s Mayo Clinic this past year.

Hagedorn said he was diagnosed exactly two months after marrying his wife, Jennifer, and just six weeks into his job as the First District’s congressman. He said he was determined to fight the disease.

“Today, one year later, I am happy to say I feel great and continue to perform my job in Congress unimpeded. I have not missed even a single vote due to illness. This disease has not and will not deter me. I will keep fighting cancer and fighting for America and the people of southern Minnesota,” he said.

Hagedorn said the cancer was detected accidentally, and before exhibiting any symptoms, during a routine physical examination.

“I am fortunate to be a patient of the Mayo Clinic, the preeminent institution of medicine in the world. My physicians, nurses and technicians are incredibly caring and competent people. I am also grateful for the regimen of immunotherapy, recently approved by the FDA as a treatment for kidney cancer. Guided by the good Lord’s healing hands, the treatments are helping my body’s immune system identify and kill the cancer cells,” Hagedorn said.

Hagedorn said dealing with the disease has not changed his convictions or drive to keep representing southern Minnesota. “I’ve been able to do my job, make hundreds of stops across the First District, hold 18 town hall meetings, and make 39 round trips to and from Washington, D.C., to perform my legislative duties. I am a candidate for re-election in 2020,” he said.

“Hopefully my situation will help others realize that, in today’s world of medical innovation, it is possible for folks fighting serious illness to live virtually normal lives, continue working their jobs and maintain hope for a bright future.

“Thanks to Jennifer, my family, friends, staff and others for their love, prayers, support and encouragement. Special thanks to my physician, Dr. Lance C. Pagliaro, and the dedicated team at the Mayo Clinic for their concern and world-class care,” Hagedorn said.

Dr. Lance C. Pagliaro, Oncology Specialist at the Mayo Clinic, issued the following statement about Rep. Hagedorn’s condition and progress:

“I am pleased to report that Mr. Hagedorn has responded well to immunotherapy, which has been key to his recovery. He is doing well.”

Jim Hagedorn was elected to Congress in 2018. He grew up on his family’s grain and livestock farm near Truman. His father, former U.S. Congressman Tom Hagedorn (Second Minnesota District), grandfather, and great-grandfather were southern Minnesota farmers. He currently lives in Blue Earth. Hagedorn was a congressional aide to former U.S. Congressman Arlan Stangeland (Seventh Minnesota District) and a congressional relations officer for two non-partisan U.S. Department of the Treasury agencies. Hagedorn serves on the House Committees on Agriculture and Small Business.