NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
A news conference was held Tuesday afternoon after Representative Curry Todd announced to a House committee that he has an incurable form of cancer.
The Collierville Republican informed colleagues about his condition during a House Commerce Committee hearing about a proposal to require insurance companies to pay for oral chemotherapy treatments.
"I'm a little emotional about this," he said, continuing, "I have cancer. Four years ago I was diagnosed. I've kept this personal except for some folks up here. I have incurable cancer; there is no cure for what I have."
Todd spoke with Nashville's News 2 on Tuesday afternoon. He said he has a rare form of cancer that affects the white blood cells.
Only three in one million people are affected by the uncommon disease Todd is battling.
"I'm not going to die right now," Todd said, adding, "It has not affected me with my job at all. My oncologist has told me that, ‘You will be fine, but once it does progress, we will look at treatment.'"
The state representative added that he did not want to make a big deal about his illness and that he only brought it up it up to help others.
Todd was arrested last year on drunken driving and gun charges.
The case has been bound over to a grand jury.
*The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Related Stories:
- Feb. 7, 2012: Rep. Curry Todd waives hearing on DUI, weapons charges
- Jan. 10, 2012: Curry Todd's DUI, gun arrest hearing delayed
- Nov. 14, 2011: Curry Todd replaced on committee by Ramsey
- Nov. 1, 2011: Rep. Todd declines deal following DUI arrest
- Oct. 25, 2011: Rep. Todd postpones fundraiser after DUI, gun arrest
- Oct. 24, 2011: Rep. Todd to hold fundraiser week after court date
- Oct. 19, 2011: Curry Todd returns to Legislature after DUI, gun arrest
- Oct. 17, 2011: Rep. Todd resigns as chair of gov't committee
- Oct. 17, 2011: Haslam: Rep. Todd apologizes for 'bad mistake'
- Oct. 13, 2011: State rep. resigns from guns task force following DUI arrest
- Oct. 12, 2011: State Rep. arrested on DUI charges in Nashville
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