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Gay Kalamazoo commissioner fights pancreatic cancer

by Jessica Carreras

KALAMAZOO –
Openly gay Kalamazoo City Commissioner Terry Kuseske underwent surgery Friday, March 19, as a beginning to treatment for pancreatic cancer. Kuseske, who became the first gay commissioner in Kalamazoo when he was elected in November 2009, was diagnosed with the cancer after seeing his doctor for back pain.
Friday's surgery at Henry Ford Hospital included removal of Kuseske's gall bladder, but not of the tumor. According to the Kalamazoo Gazette, doctors were unable to remove the tumor due to its size and location. Kuseske plans to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments, as well as a second surgery.
A well-known activist in Michigan's LGBT community, Kuseske serves on the board of the organization created by the merger between the Triangle Foundation and Michigan Equality, as well as the Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality. In 2009, he helped spearhead the effort to pass an anti-discrimination ordinance in the city by public vote after it was passed and repealed twice by the City Commission. Kuseske worked as a teacher for many years, retiring several years ago. Since then, he has focused mainly on his activism work in both the LGBT and Kalamazoo communities.
Kuseske released a statement on March 19 assuring constituents that he would be OK and would return to his post shortly. "I am eager to return to work representing the people of Kalamazoo on the City Commission in May, or sooner, with a new set of life experiences that I hope will continue to enrich our city government," he wrote in the release.
He also used the opportunity to assert his support of health care reform, and his love for his city. "I feel blessed to have received some of the best medical treatment in the country right here in Michigan, including talented and state-of-the-art care in Kalamazoo," he added. "This reaffirms my belief in ensuring that as many people as possible have access to the quality health care I was able to receive.
"I want to thank everyone for all of the support and prayers I have received during this difficult time."
Cards or letters can be sent to Kuseske at the Kalamazoo City Hall at 241 W. South Street, Kalamazoo. An online greeting site also has been established at http://www.tinyurl.com/TerryCard. Messages can be posted there until 3 p.m. April 7.

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Topics: News
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