Eddie Smith is still running to be the next mayor of Opelika despite a recent cancer diagnosis.
Smith has been the Opelika City Council president for 16 years.
Smith said on Facebook on Wednesday, “I want to share something very personal, but something folks deserve to hear from me directly. A couple of weeks ago, I was diagnosed with what doctors initially believed was state IV lung cancer. At the time, they told me it was inoperable. We did not know what to expect, but we prayed and prepared to face this thing head-on.”
“After further consultation, I have B-cell lymphoma. It is both treatable and curable. This form of cancer is one of the least invasive, and my doctors are confident that my treatments will be short and successful. Prayer works,” Smith continued. “One thing I want to make clear is that after consulting with my doctor, my family, and friends, I am 100% still running to be the Mayor of Opelika. I was born here in Opelika. I grew up in the Mill Village, graduated from Opelika High School, went on to Auburn University, and after college, my wife Dawn and I chose to raise our family here. Opelika has given me everything, and I want to continue giving Opelika everything I can. I’ve overcome challenges before–and I’ll overcome this one, too. I’m going to beat this, I’m going to keep showing up, and I’m going to keep working hard for the people of this city.”
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