Gov. Hogan Calls Final Round Of Treatment 'Light At The End Of The Tunnel'
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Maryland Governor Larry Hogan is gearing up for his sixth and final round of chemotherapy. To celebrate, Hogan decided to help hand out dinner to families at the Ronald McDonald House of Baltimore.
WJZ's Rick Ritter goes one-on-one with Governor Hogan and takes a look back at his journey.
From the start, Hogan has put his cancer treatments on full public display--never hiding, always smiling—all while still being heavily involved in running the state.
It started with the stunning announcement that he had cancer. Nearly four months later, Governor Hogan now prepares for his final round of treatment.
"I'm getting near the end, light is at the end of the tunnel," Hogan says.
A diagnosis that's been nothing short of a struggle for Hogan, but it's only smiles when he's in the public eye.
Using his battle to inspire Marylanders all over, Hogan is trying to help as many cancer patients as he can.
In September, Hogan promoted Children's Cancer Awareness Month, taking cancer survivors to see the Ravens and the Orioles.
Hogan even received a special blessing from Pope Francis.
On Wednesday, at Baltimore's Ronald McDonald House, Hogan gets a send off from children Hogan says have inspired him throughout his fight.
"What he's done is taken his personal situation and he's elevated awareness of pediatric cancer," said Sandy Pagnotti, President, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Like Adriana Carrizo, who's battling Leukemia, and waited outside for Hogan just to get a picture.
"I know he has cancer too, so i just want to be like friendships," said Carrizo.
Hogan's final treatment is scheduled for later this week at the University of Maryland. At this point, Hogan says it's not just about the final treatment, but praying for some good news.
"I'm going through a tough fight, not an easy thing to go through, but nothing compared to battles I see what these kids are going through," he said.
It's a disease Hogan now hopes to leave behind, but friendships he's gained that he'll carry with forever.
Hogan thanked people for the overwhelming amount of support on Wednesday night. The governor is asking those who are praying for him to also pray for other cancer patients.
Since being diagnosed with the disease, Governor Hogan formed "Hogan Strong," which has raised thousands of dollars for cancer awareness.