Spelman Diagnosed With Tumor

Council Member Bill Spelman has been diagnosed with a tumor on his pancreas. However, the council member and UT professor said he expects to be back in the classroom at the beginning of the new school year.

This afternoon his office announced that the tumor was detected last week. He is scheduled to have it surgically removed this Friday at St. David's Medical Center. In a statement, Spelman said:

"Just removing the tumor may not be enough to solve the problem. We won't know what kind of follow-up attention I'll need until after surgery. But the doctors have assured me I can be in the classroom on the first day of the Fall semester, and I expect to get back on the council dais even sooner than that."

Mayor Lee Leffingwell has already issued his own public message of support to Spelman:

"Bill is a good friend and colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as he works through this difficult process. All of us at City Hall will be working closely with Bill to make sure he and his staff have all the support they need during this time. I look forward to having him back on the dais as soon as he is able."

We wish Spelman a speedy recovery. For anyone else wishing to send their best wishes, send them via Spelman's council office.