In a poignant moment, former President Joe Biden emerged in public for the first time since beginning radiation therapy for an aggressive form of prostate cancer, attending a Saturday evening mass in Wilmington, Delaware.
According to Yahoo! News, this appearance marks a significant moment as Biden, 82, navigates a challenging treatment plan while managing a personal history marked by cancer's impact on his family.
The journey to this public moment began in May when Biden's diagnosis of prostate cancer was made public, revealing an aggressive form that had spread to his bones. His office noted at the time that the disease appeared to be hormone-sensitive, suggesting it could be managed effectively with proper care.
Since the announcement, Biden has been undergoing a combination of radiation and hormone therapy to combat the illness.
A spokesperson for the former president confirmed to Politico, "As part of a treatment plan for prostate cancer, President Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment." This treatment started earlier this month, and until Saturday, Biden had not been seen publicly since its initiation. His appearance at St. Joseph on the Brandywine, his long-time parish in Wilmington, offered a glimpse into his current state as he continues this battle.
During the evening mass, observers noted Biden walking slowly, relying on a woman for support as he moved through the church. A visible scar above his eye, a remnant of recent skin cancer surgery from last month, was also apparent to those present. Despite these physical signs of his health struggles, Biden engaged with parishioners, speaking with them for about 10 minutes before departing.
Cancer is not a new adversary for the Biden family, as his eldest son, Beau, tragically passed away from brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 46. This personal loss has shaped Biden's perspective, adding a layer of emotional weight to his own diagnosis and treatment journey. Earlier this year, during a Memorial Day service in Delaware, Biden spoke publicly for the first time since his diagnosis, reflecting on the 10th anniversary of Beau's passing.
In that speech, Biden shared his grief with the audience, connecting his personal loss to the broader experience of remembrance on that day. He said, "I know for many of you, Memorial Day, like for us, is deeply personal. For the Bidens, this day is the 10th anniversary of the loss of my son Beau, who spent a year in Iraq." Continuing, he added, "And to be honest, it’s a hard day… Being with all of you makes things a little bit easier, it really does. Thank you for allowing me to grieve with you."
Following his diagnosis, Biden took to social media to express gratitude for the support he and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, have received. In a message posted on X, accompanied by a photo of himself, Jill, and their cat Willow, he acknowledged the shared experience of facing cancer. He wrote, "Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support."
Biden's public appearances, though limited since his diagnosis, carry a profound significance given his ongoing treatment and personal history with cancer. His slow pace and need for support at the church highlight the physical toll of his current medical regimen, yet his engagement with others shows resilience. The scar from a recent skin cancer procedure serves as another reminder of the multiple health challenges he faces at 82.
As Biden continues radiation and hormone therapy, his first public outing since starting treatment offers a window into his determination to remain connected to his community. St. Joseph on the Brandywine, a place of personal significance for decades, provided a familiar backdrop for this moment of vulnerability and strength. The brief conversation with parishioners underscores his desire to maintain human connection despite the rigors of his health battle.
The road ahead for Biden remains uncertain as he manages an aggressive cancer that has spread to his bones, a serious condition even with effective management options. His office's initial statement about the hormone-sensitive nature of the cancer offers some hope for control, though the treatment process is visibly challenging.
As he balances these personal health struggles, Biden's history of loss and resilience continues to resonate with many who follow his story.
For now, Biden's appearance at Mass serves as a quiet testament to his ongoing fight, reflecting both the physical impact of his condition and his enduring spirit. The support of his family, including Dr. Jill Biden, and the broader community remains a cornerstone of his journey through this difficult chapter. As updates on his health and treatment progress emerge, the public will likely continue to watch with empathy and concern for the former president.