Florida's First Lady Is Diagnosed With Breast Cancer, Gov. DeSantis Announces

Florida Phoenix

October 4, 2021

Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis has breast cancer, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday.

Here is the text of a written statement the governor issued through his press office:

“I am saddened to report that Florida’s esteemed First Lady and my beloved wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“As the mother of three young children, Casey is the centerpiece of our family and has made an impact on the lives of countless Floridians through her initiatives as First Lady.

“As she faces the most difficult test of her life, she will have not only have my unwavering support but the support of our entire family, as well as the prayers and well wishes from Floridians across our state. Casey is a true fighter, and she will never, never, never give up.”

Press Secretary Christina Pushaw said the press office had no further details to share.

Ms. DeSantis, 41, is a former TV host who met her future husband on a golf driving range. The governor has called her “my most significant and valued supporter, in spite of what the media might say” — an apparent reference to the endorsment by Donald Trump that’s widely seen as having propelled DeSantis into the governor’s office.

“She has been my best friend. She’s the best wife anybody can ever have,” he said. “Florida will have the best first lady in the country in my wife, Casey.”

She’s also a key adviser to the governor, according to reports including this one by Politico.

The couple are parents to three children: daughter Madison, 4; son, Mason, 3; and daughter, Mamie, 18 months, who was the first baby born in the Governor’s Mansion since 1970.

Ms. DeSantis has made mental health a priority since moving into the Governor’s Mansion, launching Hope for Healing Florida, a multiagency effort to direct services to children, veterans, and first responders, plus additional initiatives aimed at people on government assistance, substance abusing mothers, and children aging out of the foster care system.

She was born in Ohio and educated at the College of Charleston and was a champion equestrial, according to the governor’s office.

The Florida Phoenix, a nonprofit news site that’s free of advertising and free to readers, covers state government and politics through a mix of in-depth stories, briefs, and social media updates on the latest events, editorial cartoons, and progressive commentary. The Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and a coalition of donors and readers.