By John Dempsey, WLS-AM News
(CHICAGO) Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis is hospitalized after suffering a stroke last week. Lewis issued a statement this morning saying “I suffered a slight stroke last week and have since been hospitalized. It was so minor that doctors could barely see it upon my initial examination, so please know that my spirits are high and I am feeling pretty good. This is a minor setback in my recovery from brain cancer, but rest assured I will be back on my feet soon.”
Lewis went on to say, “As for the Chicago Teachers Union, our individual and collective work is unchanged. Our members are the true leaders of our union, and they will continue working hard every day for the schools our students deserve. Thanks to everyone who has sent prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery. My only request is that we refrain from talking policy and politics until I am back up to speed. Once I return to 100 percent good health, I’ll be back to giving hell to the usual suspects—you know who you are.”
Lewis told the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun Times that the stroke occurred near the brain tumor that was removed in 2014. That cancer diagnosis derailed Lewis’ plans to run for Mayor against Rahm Emanuel in 2015.
Emanuel issued a statement saying “I reached out to Karen this morning to wish her a speedy recovery and, as anyone who knows Karen would assume, she was in a good humor. Karen Lewis has always been a strong voice for Chicago’s children and Chicago’s teachers, and the strength of her voice is only matched by the strength of her will. A stroke can’t keep Karen Lewis down.”
@ 2017 WLS-AM News
