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Former President Joe Biden was seen in public for the first time on Friday since being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Biden attended his grandson's high school graduation, as evidenced by photos posted on Instagram by former First Lady Jill Biden and the daughter of the former president, Ashley Biden, according to NBC's report.
Joe and his wife Jill appeared in photos alongside other family members to celebrate the high school graduation of their grandson Robert Hunter Biden II from Salisbury School in Salisbury, Connecticut.
The former first lady posted a photo with the text: “Proud Nana and Pop! Congratulations, Hunter! We are very proud of you.”
Apparently, according to the photos posted in Instagram stories by Ashley Biden, the former president was also seen at the airport, although it is not clear which airport he was photographed at, the report concludes.
First statements following the diagnosis
Last Monday, Biden broke his silence regarding the aggressive cancer he is battling, with a positive message of resilience in the face of adversity.
"Cancer affects us all. Like many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are stronger during difficult times. Thank you for encouraging us with love and support," he said in a message on his official X account.
The post on social media was accompanied by a family photo: Biden smiling alongside his wife Jill, who was more serious, and Willow, their cat.
International press has noted that the message is framed within a life philosophy that the former president has repeated on several occasions: the idea that it is in the “broken places,” (broken places) where individuals find strength.
The phrase, inspired by the famous novel A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway, has been a constant during the most challenging moments of Biden's life.
A serious diagnosis
Two weeks ago, the former president was diagnosed with prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9, the highest on the aggression scale, and already with bone metastasis.
The finding occurred after a routine physical examination in which a nodule was detected in the prostate that required further evaluation.
Although it is an invasive method, the official statement indicated that "cancer seems to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective treatment."
At this time, Biden and his medical team are assessing the available therapeutic options.
The diagnosis poses a huge challenge for someone who is 82 years old, and experts agree that a cure is unlikely.
According to Dr. Michael Tyler, an oncologist at Broward Health Medical Center, “the cancer has already spread beyond the prostate, placing it in a different category.”
Nonetheless, there are hormonal treatments and agents to suppress the progression of the disease.
"In general, when cancer spreads beyond the prostate, we have limited solutions regarding a cure," Tyler explained in remarks to Local 10.
Reactions from all fronts
The announcement generated a wave of supportive messages from both the political and personal spheres.
Barack Obama stated that "no one has done more to find innovative treatments for cancer than Joe" and expressed confidence that "he will face this challenge with determination and grace."
Former Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff expressed that they are "saddened by the diagnosis" and that they are praying for Biden and his family.
Even Donald Trump, his political rival and current president, joined in the well-wishes, stating on his platform Truth Social that he and his wife Melania wish Biden "a swift and successful recovery."
The hardline wing of Trumpism launches attacks
However, not all the comments were supportive. Figures close to Trump took advantage of the news to sow doubts and politically attack the former president.
Donald Trump Jr., son of the current president, suggested that Biden might have concealed his illness during his term: "Or are we facing another cover-up?" he wrote, pointing directly to Jill Biden, Doctor of Education.
Vice President JD Vance also joined in the criticism, stating that "we really need to be honest about whether the former president was capable of performing the duties of the office," and suggested that "those around him" concealed information from the public.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joe Biden's Cancer Diagnosis and His Public Appearance
What is Joe Biden's current health status?
Joe Biden has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer, which has already metastasized to the bones. Although the diagnosis is serious, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, allowing for effective treatment. Biden and his medical team are assessing the available therapeutic options.
What have been the reactions to Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis?
Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis sparked a wave of supportive messages from various political figures, including Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, and Donald Trump. However, there were also criticisms and disparaging comments from individuals close to Trump, who questioned whether Biden had concealed his illness during his term.
How has Joe Biden addressed his cancer diagnosis in public?
Joe Biden has adopted a positive and resilient approach to his cancer diagnosis. In his public statements, he has emphasized the idea that "we are stronger in difficult times", citing his life philosophy inspired by a quote from Ernest Hemingway. Biden has expressed gratitude for the love and support he has received during this challenging time.
What does Joe Biden's first public appearance following his diagnosis symbolize?
Joe Biden's first public appearance after his diagnosis was at his grandson's high school graduation, symbolizing his desire to maintain normalcy and family support during these challenging times. Photos shared on social media by his family show Biden surrounded by loved ones, reinforcing his message of unity and familial strength.
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