Florida's First Lady Casey DeSantis Now Cancer-Free: Governor

FLORIDA — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis confirmed Thursday that his wife is now cancer-free. First Lady Casey DeSantis, 41, had been battling breast cancer since late last year, according to the governor's office.

"All of you who have given thoughts and prayers to my family and my wife, thank you. It’s lifted her spirits and made a tremendous difference," the governor said in a video statement.

"For all the women out there who are going through breast cancer right now – you can overcome this. I know it’s very difficult, but my wife is proof positive, and this is the exact type of news we had hoped for. She still has more to do, but I’m confident she’s going to make a full recovery. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. God bless you all," he continued.

According to the American Cancer Society, it predicts more than 21,000 Floridians will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, with more than 3,100 expected to succumb to the disease.

It is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers, the society said.

While a cancer diagnosis is often scary, the First Lady offered some words of encouragement for those battling the disease.

“To those who are in the fight, know there is hope. Have faith and stay strong," she said.

The First Lady shares three young children with the governor. She has launched four major initiatives since her husband was elected to office, including Hope Florida – A Pathway to Prosperity, Economic Self-Sufficiency and Hope and the Resiliency Florida initiative.