An Oregon representative has announced the devastating news that she’s been diagnosed with stage three cancer, just a month after her friend and fellow lawmaker died from the disease.
Annessa Hartman, 37, said in a statement that she was diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer and will begin chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment next month.
‘Even though this diagnosis is terrifying, my medical team and I are optimistic about my treatment plan, and I enter this next chapter with clarity and determination,’ the Democrat rep wrote.
Hartman serves in the state legislature and represents Oregon’s District 40, which includes Gladstone, Oregon City, Johnson City, Jennings Lodge, Oatfield, and parts of unincorporated North Clackamas County.
She was elected to her position in 2022 and won reelection last year. In September, the mother-of-two announced that she would be leaving the legislature to spend more time with her daughters and focus on local politics.
In her statement following her diagnosis this week, Hartman made clear that it wouldn’t prevent her from running for Clackamas County Commission.
‘Public service is not something I do only in moments of ease; it’s something I believe in wholeheartedly, especially now,’ she said.
‘This diagnosis has only strengthened my sense of purpose and my commitment to building a place where compassion, accountability, and community care guide our decisions.’
Anessa Hartman, 37, announced that she has been diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer
Hartman (pictured with her daughters) said that despite the grim news, her medical team was optimistic and she would be starting treatment in December
Hartman’s friend and colleague, Representative Hòa Nguyễn (right), died last month after her cancer battle
Hartman opened up about the difficult few weeks she had grappling with the diagnosis, but expressed gratitude for her support system.
The state rep went on to say that she wanted to share the news in the spirit of transparency.
She added that she would fight alongside Oregonians dealing with health crises while juggling the ‘broken’ health care system and the challenges of daily life.
Hartman ended her statement with a call to action, urging others to screen for cancer and prioritize their health.
‘And please, slow down enough to feel your life while you’re living it,’ she said.
‘Life is fragile, terrifyingly fragile but it is also unbelievably beautiful when you allow yourself to live inside it instead of rushing past it.’
During her time in the legislature, Hartman served as the Chair of the Early Childhood and Human Services Committee.
She also served on the House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water, and the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources.
In a tribute on Instagram, Hartman thanked Nguyễn for her unwavering friendship and endless support
Hartman concluded her statement with a call to action, urging her constituents to get screened for cancer and prioritize their health
Hartman’s most recent Instagram post was a tribute to her friend and colleague, Representative Hòa Nguyễn.
Nguyễn died last month at the age of 41 after a battle with late-stage cancer. In her final weeks, she continued to show up at the State Capitol to vote on legislation.
Hartman penned an emotional tribute to her friend, praising Nguyễn for supporting her in her political journey and providing unwavering support during difficult times.
‘I am forever grateful to have had the privilege of walking a small part of her path in life. Until we meet again dear friend,’ Hartman wrote. A memorial in Nguyễn’s honor was held by lawmakers this week.
