Former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard became emotional while sharing an update on her husband Abraham Williams’ recovery from a rare form of cancer, revealing that doctors believe they successfully removed the cancerous tissue but warning that his battle is not over.
Williams was diagnosed with sacral chordoma, a rare cancer that develops in the sacrum at the base of the spine.
In a video posted to social media, Gabbard described the major surgery her husband underwent and the difficult recovery that followed.
“A few weeks after the surgery was done, pathologists and the doctor said that they were confident they were able to cut out all of the cancerous bone and tissue,” Gabbard said.
Williams underwent a nearly seven-hour operation to remove the affected bone and surrounding tissue.
Gabbard said the immediate aftermath was especially difficult because her husband had been under heavy anesthesia for nearly eight hours.
“His body, as he started to come out, started reacting to the drugs that were in his body. It was tough,” she said.
Despite those complications, Gabbard said Williams remained determined to begin moving again.
“He would take a few steps. He would throw up as he was trying to walk around. But he kept going,” she recalled.
Williams has since continued physical therapy as he works to regain his strength and mobility.
“Overall, Abraham is progressing very well,” Gabbard said.
The update came months after Gabbard stepped down as Director of National Intelligence in May so she could focus on supporting her husband through treatment and recovery.
Although doctors believe the cancerous tissue was removed, Gabbard cautioned that the family is not treating the surgery as the end of the ordeal.
“The reality is that the battle isn’t over yet,” she said.
Williams will need frequent MRI scans to monitor for any signs that the cancer has returned at the original site or spread elsewhere.
Gabbard also spoke about the role faith has played throughout the diagnosis, surgery and recovery.
“We are so grateful to God for His unconditional love, for being our shelter, for being our peace and our strength,” she said.
She also thanked the doctors caring for Williams as well as those who have offered prayers and support, as the Daily Mail reported.
“Mahalo for all of the love and support,” Gabbard said.
As she became visibly emotional, Williams stepped forward and embraced her.
“Love you, darlin’,” he told her.
“I love you,” Gabbard replied.
Gabbard has largely remained outside the political spotlight since leaving office, focusing much of her attention on Williams’ recovery.
She has, however, continued weighing in occasionally on national issues.
Last month, after Anthony Fauci appeared before Congress and repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment rights during questioning over the government’s handling of COVID-19, Gabbard accused him of misleading Congress and alleged that intelligence officials helped suppress information about the pandemic’s origins.
For now, however, Gabbard’s focus remains on her husband’s recovery.
While the news that doctors believe they removed the cancerous tissue offered an encouraging sign, the couple still faces ongoing monitoring and rehabilitation as Williams continues to regain his strength.
