In an email to supporters on Friday, Councilman Dan Halloran announced that he would undergo surgery to remove a benign brain tumor.
Halloran said he had been diagnosed in March, but this was the first time he shared the news publicly.
The operation was scheduled for May 23, and Halloran said he would be in the hospital for the rest of the week for the lengthy procedure.
“My doctors expect a speedy recovery, and I hope to be back on my feet within a few weeks—and get back to the business of serving you in City Hall and fighting for our district, the middle class, and our shared values,” he wrote.
Halloran will remain in the race for the 6th Congressional district, and he emphasized in the email that the diagnosis did not affect his work in the 19th Council District.
“… I’ve gone to every Council meeting, attended all hearings for the committees I oversee, and been to a host of events to support our local charitable organizations, youth sports associations, and senior centers,” he said. “While this has been in the back of my mind the whole time, as you can see, it hasn’t slowed me down. Nothing can.”
Halloran is the sole Republican in the race for the 6th District so far while three major Democratic candidates duke it out for their nomination.
Halloran has been actively campaigning though, appearing at community meetings and candidates forums, including one on Monday night.
Although he may be out of commission for a while, the councilman made it clear he expects it will be back to business as usual in the campaign and in the council soon.
“There will be no lack of attention to your needs while I am on the mend, and my staff will continue to provide the best constituent service in the City of New York,” He wrote. “In the meantime, I ask for your thoughts during these next two weeks, and welcome the prayers and well-wishes of those who have expressed their concern. It is deeply gratifying to realize how much so many of you care. Know that I will be back to fight for you and for our neighborhoods as soon as possible.”
By Jeremiah Dobruck
j.dobruck@theforumnewsgroup.com
