FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry (D) announced his recent cancer diagnosis in a last-minute press conference held Monday afternoon.

The Mayor’s office sent a press release late Monday morning saying Henry “has personal health information to share with the media and public” at 2:30 p.m.

During the press conference, Henry announced that he has Stage 3 stomach cancer. He says his prognosis is “not good” and will be starting chemotherapy next week.

“I assure you that I have complete confidence in my team, those that are in charge of my care, and those that help me run this administration. I also have confidence in my ability to carry out my term as your mayor for as long as God permits,” Henry said.

He promised to keep the public informed on his health updates as often as possible.

“I am asking for some family privacy, along with your prayers, as I navigate this difficult situation. Your trust, your understanding, and kindness continue to mean the world to me and my family,” Henry said.

You can watch his live address below:

In late January, Mayor Henry’s office shared that his wife, 67-year-old Cindy Henry, had passed away following a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Cindy Henry was active in the Democratic Party on local, state, and national levels, and was the owner and operator of the Green Frog Inn for several years.

Just last week, Mayor Henry delivered his 17th State of the City Address, highlighting the city’s 2023 successes and laying out plans for the coming year.

WATCH: Mayor Henry gives 2024 State of the City Address – Henry discusses 2024 State of the City Address in exclusive interviews

The 72-year-old was elected to an unprecedented fifth term in November after first being elected to the post in 2008. Before that, he served on the Fort Wayne City Council for two decades.

Since 2013, Henry has served alongside Deputy Mayor Karl Bandemer, the former vice president of downtown development for Greater Fort Wayne Inc.

Henry previously told 21Alive News he would not be seeking a fifth term, but later said considering the city’s growth, he felt inspired to continue. No term limit applies to the position of Fort Wayne mayor.

He is a near-lifelong resident of Fort Wayne, a graduate of Central Catholic High School and the University of Saint Francis, and a former businessman and corporate executive.

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