Diagnosis: Knight has form of leukemia

State Sen. William J. "Pete" Knight has been diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia, a type of blood cancer, his spokesman said Tuesday. Knight, R-Palmdale, took a leave of absence from his Senate duties in mid-April for rigorous medical testing, which revealed the illness. He now "will be undergoing appropriate treatment for this sudden ailment," spokesman David Orosco said.

"While Senator Knight's date of return to the Senate is still undetermined, his staff will make every effort to keep his constituents informed as more information becomes available," Orosco said.

Acute lymphocytic leukemia, which strikes the blood and bone marrow, is often treated with chemotherapy and radiation, according to the National Cancer Institute. Early symptoms - weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite - are very similar to the flu. Risk factors include being male, white and over 70. Knight is 74.

Knight's legislation will continue to be handled by other senators, Orosco said.

Knight is serving his final year as a senator because of term limits. The former Palmdale mayor also served in the state Assembly after a career in the Air Force as a test pilot. He's still known as the "fastest man alive" after setting a record for a manned, fixed-wing aircraft at Mach 6.7 in 1967.

"It's devastating to have that kind of diagnosis - our thoughts and prayers continue to go to Pete, Gail (Knight's wife) and their family," said Assemblywoman Sharon Runner, R-Lancaster. "Definitely, if there's anything I can do with legislation or with constituents, I'd be more than happy to be there for him."

Though rumors had spread around the Capitol, Knight's office kept the news quiet until Tuesday, Runner said.

"Pete has been a friend for many, many years. He has worked incredibly hard to support and to lead our community," said Congressman Howard P. "Buck" McKeon, R-Santa Clarita. "I wish Pete a speedy recovery and I will keep him in my thoughts and my prayers as he and his family go through this very difficult time."

Orosco asked that inquiries and good wishes be directed to Knight's Capitol office: State Capitol, Room 5082, Sacramento, CA, 95814. The telephone number is (916) 445-6637.

Well-wishers can pick up greeting cards at any of Knight's district offices. The Antelope Valley office is at 1008 West Ave. M-14, Suite G, Palmdale.

Sen. Knight Diagnosed With Acute Leukemia
State Sen. William J. “Pete” Knight has been diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia, a cancer of the bone marrow, after three weeks of medical testing, his office announced Tuesday.

Knight, 74, has represented most of the Santa Clarita Valley in Sacramento since 1992. He took a medical leave of absence from work April 12. It is not known when he will be able to return, spokesman David Orosco said.

“Sen. Knight’s legislative package continues to be graciously handled by fellow legislators, and his district offices remain available to assist constituents of the 17th Senate District with state-related matters,” Orosco said in a brief written statement.

Acute myelogenous leukemia, or AML, is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults. It progresses rapidly and the survival rate is about 19 percent, according to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

AML is not inherited or contagious. It occurs when there is a defect in the bone marrow that causes the body to produce too many immature blood cells at the expense of healthy blood cells and platelets, according to the nonprofit National Marrow Donor Program.

AML is more common among men and older smokers. Knight quit smoking about five years ago.

Patients often show signs of fatigue, easy bruising, infections and frequent nosebleeds.

Knight, who suffered from a nosebleed during the April 1 taping of a “Newsmaker of the Week” interview, said he plans to retire from elective office once he is termed out of the Senate at the end of the year.

He continues to direct a nonprofit organization involved with defending Proposition 22. The voter-approved ballot measure, which he authored, defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

Knight’s pending bills include a proposal to require the recitation of the pledge of allegiance in public schools.

In 1967, Knight set the current world speed record for level flight in an aircraft at mach 6.7. He retired as an Air Force colonel and was elected mayor of Palmdale. He went to the Assembly in 1992 and has served in the Senate since 1996.

Knight’s staff asks that inquiries and personal wishes be directed to his Capitol office at (916) 445-6637 or by mail to Sen. Pete Knight, State Capitol Room 5082, Sacramento CA 95814.

Go Pete! Higher, faster, farther.

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