In a deeply personal and emotional announcement, a state legislator revealed she has been diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer, just a month after losing a close friend and fellow lawmaker to the same disease. The representative, Annessa Hartman, 37, shared the news publicly, detailing her diagnosis and outlining the treatment plan she will soon begin. Despite the severity of the news, Hartman conveyed determination and a commitment to continue serving her community.
Hartman, who represents District 40, encompassing areas such as Gladstone, Oregon City, Johnson City, Jennings Lodge, Oatfield, and parts of unincorporated North Clackamas County, has been a fixture in state politics since her election in 2022. She successfully secured reelection last year and has been active in a variety of legislative initiatives, including education, local infrastructure, and public health. Her dedication to public service has earned her recognition from constituents and colleagues alike.
In her public statement regarding the diagnosis, Hartman acknowledged the seriousness of the condition but emphasized her optimism regarding her treatment plan. She will begin chemotherapy and immunotherapy next month, a regimen designed to target the cancer aggressively while maximizing her chances of recovery. “Even though this diagnosis is terrifying, my medical team and I are optimistic about my treatment plan, and I enter this next chapter with clarity and determination,” she said.
The news has drawn widespread support from colleagues across the political spectrum. Lawmakers, community leaders, and residents have expressed solidarity, offering messages of encouragement and prayers for her recovery. Many have highlighted Hartman’s dedication to public service, noting that her illness has not diminished her commitment to the responsibilities of her office.
Hartman had previously announced in September that she would be leaving the legislature to spend more time with her two daughters and focus on local politics. However, she made clear that her recent diagnosis would not prevent her from pursuing her candidacy for Clackamas County Commission. “Public service is not something I do only in moments of ease; it’s something I believe in wholeheartedly, especially now,” she said. “This diagnosis has only strengthened my sense of purpose and my commitment to building a place where compassion, accountability, and community care guide our decisions.”
Her announcement also serves to raise awareness about cervical cancer, a disease that, despite being preventable through vaccination and early detection, continues to affect thousands of women each year. Medical experts note that early diagnosis and treatment can dramatically improve outcomes, and Hartman’s openness about her condition has sparked important conversations about screening and public health initiatives. By speaking candidly about her own experience, she hopes to inspire others to prioritize routine screenings and seek medical advice promptly when symptoms arise.
Cervical cancer, when detected in its early stages, often responds well to treatment. However, stage three diagnoses indicate that the cancer has advanced, making immediate and comprehensive intervention critical. Hartman’s treatment plan — combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy — reflects current medical standards aimed at halting disease progression and increasing the likelihood of remission. Her medical team is reportedly optimistic, and she has expressed confidence in their expertise.
Beyond the personal impact, Hartman’s diagnosis underscores the resilience required of public servants facing extraordinary challenges. Balancing the demands of office, political campaigns, and personal health requires both physical and emotional strength. Hartman has consistently demonstrated an ability to manage complex responsibilities, from navigating legislative priorities to supporting her family, and she continues to serve as a model of dedication and perseverance.
Friends, constituents, and fellow legislators have noted Hartman’s leadership qualities, emphasizing her empathy, accessibility, and tireless advocacy. Her commitment to public service extends beyond policy and legislation; it reflects a genuine investment in the well-being of her community. This focus has earned her admiration and respect from colleagues who appreciate her integrity, responsiveness, and willingness to engage with constituents on the issues that matter most to them.
In sharing her story, Hartman has also highlighted the emotional realities of confronting serious illness. The experience of navigating treatment, managing family responsibilities, and maintaining public duties can be daunting, yet she approaches each challenge with transparency and courage. Her statement reflects a resolve to continue her work and maintain visibility as a public servant, providing inspiration for others facing similar hardships.
The timing of her diagnosis, coming shortly after the loss of a close friend to cervical cancer, has been particularly poignant. Hartman has cited the passing of her colleague as a motivating factor in her decision to remain engaged in public service and advocate for health awareness. By openly discussing the challenges and uncertainties associated with her illness, she seeks to destigmatize the conversation around women’s health and encourage proactive engagement with medical care.
Looking ahead, Hartman is focused on both her treatment and her political ambitions. She remains committed to her campaign for Clackamas County Commission, underscoring her belief that personal adversity does not preclude meaningful public service. Her determination to continue representing her community reflects a broader ethos of resilience, responsibility, and dedication to civic life.
Community response has been overwhelmingly supportive. Residents and local leaders have offered messages of encouragement, organized support initiatives, and emphasized the importance of solidarity during this difficult time. Social media and local news outlets have amplified these messages, creating a network of encouragement and reinforcing the communal bonds that Hartman has helped cultivate throughout her career.
Hartman’s announcement has also sparked broader discussions about the intersection of health, gender, and public service. As a young lawmaker balancing family life with professional responsibilities, she represents a demographic often underrepresented in leadership discussions. Her openness about her diagnosis brings attention to the unique challenges faced by women in politics and public life, highlighting the need for systemic support, workplace accommodations, and public awareness of health issues.
In addition to her legislative and political work, Hartman’s role as a mother of two remains central to her identity. She has emphasized that her daughters are a source of motivation and resilience, and she continues to prioritize family engagement alongside her professional obligations. The balance of personal health, familial responsibilities, and public service exemplifies her multifaceted dedication and capacity to navigate complex life circumstances.
Ultimately, Hartman’s story is one of courage, transparency, and unwavering commitment to community. By confronting a life-threatening illness while remaining focused on public service and civic engagement, she offers a powerful example of leadership under pressure. Her approach emphasizes the importance of resilience, proactive health management, and a commitment to others even in the face of personal challenges.
As treatment begins, Hartman’s supporters remain steadfast in their encouragement. The coming months will be critical for her health, but the determination she has expressed signals a proactive and hopeful approach to her recovery. Her decision to continue pursuing public office underscores her belief in the enduring value of service and her capacity to inspire others through both action and example.
In conclusion, Annessa Hartman, 37, faces a serious medical diagnosis with courage and clarity. While the news of stage three cervical cancer is devastating, her optimism, treatment plan, and unwavering commitment to public service offer hope and inspiration. Her story highlights the challenges of balancing personal health, family responsibilities, and professional obligations, while also raising awareness of cervical cancer and the importance of proactive care. Through transparency, resilience, and dedication, Hartman continues to serve as a model of leadership, demonstrating that even in the most difficult circumstances, commitment to community and civic responsibility can endure.
James Jenkins is a celebrated Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose work has reshaped the way readers think about social justice and human rights in America. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, James grew up in a community that instilled in him both resilience and a strong sense of responsibility toward others. After studying political science and creative writing at Howard University, he worked as a journalist covering civil rights issues before dedicating himself fully to fiction. His novels are known for their sharp, empathetic portraits of marginalized communities and for weaving personal stories with broader political realities. Jenkins’s breakout novel, Shadows of Freedom, won national acclaim for its unflinching look at systemic inequality, while his more recent works explore themes of identity, resilience, and the fight for dignity in the face of oppression. Beyond his novels, James is an active public speaker, lecturing at universities and participating in nonprofit initiatives that support literacy and community empowerment. He believes that storytelling is a way to preserve history and inspire change. When not writing, James enjoys jazz music, mentoring young writers, and traveling with his family to explore cultures and stories around the world.
