April 30, 2007
An Emotional Return For Snow
In his first "gaggle" with reporters after a month-long hiatus, White House press secretary Tony Snow held back tears as he thanked the press corps for their show of support after doctors found his cancer had returned nearly one month ago.
"I'll try not to choke up," Snow declared, pausing several times before smiling and giving a thumbs-up to the crowded room of journalists. "Everyone who does not believe that thoughts and prayers make a difference is just wrong.... You guys have been so wonderful."
Touting advances in medical science and the support of family, friends and colleagues, Snow, 51, appeared undaunted by his diagnosis. "I'm a very lucky guy," he said more than once.
Doctors detected a cancerous growth in his abdomen last month. The growth was removed during surgery, when doctors found that the cancer had spread to Snow's liver.
Snow explained that he will begin chemotherapy on Friday to try and wipe out the cancer and then undergo "maintenance chemo" to "continue combating cancer cells." The colon cancer survivor offered two pieces of advice to other cancer patients and their families: "Don't go it alone," and "be of courage."
In an interview last week, Snow told the Washington Post he was "eager to get back at" his job. "I actually don't feel any different from when I left."
In addition to fielding questions about the Iraq war supplemental, the attorney firings investigations and a slew of other hot topics dogging the White House, Snow is keeping busy off hours as well. He plans to perform in a benefit concert with his band, Beats Workin', on Thursday, and he will deliver the commencement address at the Catholic University of America on May 12.
