On Monday, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan disclosed that he has been diagnosed with very advanced and aggressive form of cancer of lymph nodes.

The governor said that the cancer is B-cell non- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It may be stage 4 or at least very advanced stage 3. Mr. Hogan was blunt and emotional when he spoke at news conference. He was surrounded by his wife and other family members in a reception room at the State House.

The 59-year-old Republican said, “I’m going to face this challenge with the same energy and determination that I’ve relied on to climb every hill and to overcome every obstacle that I’ve faced in my life”.

Hogan was sworn into office in January after winning an upset victory over then-Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown (D).

Hogan said tests have shown that the cancer has spread through his abdominal core and is “pressing up against my spinal column”. However, his doctors had assured him that he has a strong chance of survival and recovery.

He mentioned that he would begin a regimen of very aggressive chemotherapy treatment of roughly 18 weeks. He will rely on Lt. Gov. Boyd K. Rutherford to fill in for him on state business and to make decisions for him when necessary.

Hogan revealed that he has no plans to leave office and pledged that he would continue to advance his agenda of strengthening Maryland’s economy and business climate, cutting taxes, overseeing efforts in Baltimore to recover from recent rioting.