ABC news anchor Peter Jennings has lung cancer

ABC News-Drudge ^ | 4-5-05

[waynebobo]

ABC news anchor Peter Jennings has lung cancer.

XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX TUE APRIL 05, 2005 10:43:02 ET XXXXX

ABCNEWS PETER JENNINGS LUNG CANCER

**Exclusive**

Peter Jennings and David Westin sent the following e-mails to their ABC News colleagues this morning:

David Westin's e-mail

This morning, Peter Jennings told his senior staff at World News Tonight that yesterday afternoon he was diagnosed with lung cancer. I include below the full text of Peter’s note to the group of people with whom he works most closely. He will begin outpatient treatment next week here in New York. It’s both Peter’s and my expectation that he will anchor World News Tonight during the period of treatment to the extent he can do so comfortably; but, we should also expect him to be off the broadcast from time to time, depending on how he feels. Charlie Gibson, Elizabeth Vargas, and others will be substituting for Peter as necessary and when their other responsibilities permit.

All of us at ABC News have watched over the years as Peter has led us on various assignments with strength and with courage. We’ve done our best to support him in these endeavors. Now, Peter’s been given a tough assignment. He’s already bringing to this new challenge the courage and strength we’ve seen so often in his reporting from the field and in anchoring ABC News. I know that all of us will give him every bit of support that he needs and asks for. Peter will once again lead the way, but we will stand with him at every turn.

Peter’s Email

Dear All – Forgive me the group mailing – but it seems the easiest way to tell a lot of people I care for ….. about a change in my life. I have been diagnosed with lung cancer. Yes, it was quite a surprise. As you all know, this is a challenge. I begin chemo-therapy next week. I will continue to do the broadcast. There will be good days and bad, which means that some days I may be cranky and some days really cranky! Almost 10 million Americans are living with cancer. I am sure I will learn from them how to cope with the facts of life that none of us anticipated. In all the years I have worked here I have had the most outstanding support from this news division. Hundreds of you have been like family. It feels good to have such a family right now.

Peter

[Poser]

Hey Peter...

Get well and live long.

Stay off of my TV.

[wizardoz]

I've known a couple people who've battled lung cancer. The chemo is debilitating but both of them are in remission. One has been for about 20 years, one for about 4... He might be okay if he takes care of himself.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Hmmmm...the Lord does his work in truly mysterious ways.

Do you say this because...

People who disagree with you die?

Those who agree with you never die?

[exnavychick]

That's too bad...prayers for a full recovery.

[Not A Snowbird]

Prayers up for him.

[chgomac]

headlined on drudge. Prayers and peace of the Lord to this man who has a tough fight ahead.

[Steve_Seattle]

Oh, I wouldn't wish that on anybody. (By the way, I'm not implying that you did.) I feel sorry for him.

[fanfan]

Also it will be interesting if Peter Jennings, a Canadian, gets his treatment in the USA or Canada...

If he wants ANY hope of survival, he'll get treatment in the States.

[rod1]

It is certainly sad news regardless of his politics.
I also wonder if he smoked heavily as a younger man.

[Lazamataz]

I've expressed my feelings (and probably those of many others here on the forum - but that won't put their's to print) and I'll say no more about his situation.

Here's my take on things: Humans are humans, and you are either empathetic and loving towards other humans, or you are cold and have a hardened heart. If the person is not a monster like Stalin or Hitler, or even Dahmer, then no man should take glee in another's suffering.

Be who you would want others to be to you, in a time of adversity.

[jdm]

XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX TUE APRIL 05, 2005 10:43:02 ET XXXXX

ABCNEWS PETER JENNINGS LUNG CANCER

**Exclusive**

Peter Jennings and David Westin sent the following e-mails to their ABC News colleagues this morning:

David Westin's e-mail

This morning, Peter Jennings told his senior staff at World News Tonight that yesterday afternoon he was diagnosed with lung cancer. I include below the full text of Peter’s note to the group of people with whom he works most closely. He will begin outpatient treatment next week here in New York. It’s both Peter’s and my expectation that he will anchor World News Tonight during the period of treatment to the extent he can do so comfortably; but, we should also expect him to be off the broadcast from time to time, depending on how he feels. Charlie Gibson, Elizabeth Vargas, and others will be substituting for Peter as necessary and when their other responsibilities permit.

All of us at ABC News have watched over the years as Peter has led us on various assignments with strength and with courage. We’ve done our best to support him in these endeavors. Now, Peter’s been given a tough assignment. He’s already bringing to this new challenge the courage and strength we’ve seen so often in his reporting from the field and in anchoring ABC News. I know that all of us will give him every bit of support that he needs and asks for. Peter will once again lead the way, but we will stand with him at every turn.

Peter’s Email

Dear All – Forgive me the group mailing – but it seems the easiest way to tell a lot of people I care for ….. about a change in my life. I have been diagnosed with lung cancer. Yes, it was quite a surprise. As you all know, this is a challenge. I begin chemo-therapy next week. I will continue to do the broadcast. There will be good days and bad, which means that some days I may be cranky and some days really cranky! Almost 10 million Americans are living with cancer. I am sure I will learn from them how to cope with the facts of life that none of us anticipated. In all the years I have worked here I have had the most outstanding support from this news division. Hundreds of you have been like family. It feels good to have such a family right now.

Peter

[SE Mom]

Oh boy- tough diagnosis. I won't pretend to like him one bit- his bias has made my jaw drop more than once- but I hope he recovers. Cancer is a rough road.

[Yossarian]

Hmmmm...the Lord does his work in truly mysterious ways.

A mighty ugly sentiment for a fellow human's very trying time. I hope that anyone reading this forum realizes that people like you are in the slim minority.

As much as I find your outlook reprehensible, Harpu, I'd still pray for you if you fell ill.

[smith288]

Don't presume to know the Lord's plans because the moment you presume, vengeance can be laid on your for your "sins".

Hint: You sin all the time...to think your's are somehow more acceptable to God than Peters Jennings is hogwash.

[Revelation 911]

You know, I saw him reporting the Popes passing the other day - and he honestly seemed choked up - I wonder if he isnt in the midst of searching out the meaning of life, and where God fits in that......

Prayers for him and his loved ones.

[Sloth]

Many anchors get cancer. Some handle it better than others.

[Borges]

Andy Kauffman got it from years of performing in smoke filled nightclubs.

[Lazamataz]

Ordinarily the prognosis for lung cancer isn't good. Not very treatable, tends to be aggressive, high mortality rate. Of course, add one miracle and all bets are off...

If Peter Jennings believes in G-d, then he may petition the Heavenly Father directly for intercession.

I hope he does, and I hope he does.

Then I hope He does.

[RGSpincich]

We'll resume sniping when he's well.

Indeed. Get well, Pete.

[dfwgator]

Hopefully they caught it early enough. The bad thing about lung cancer is that it spreads quickly throughout the rest of the body.