"Ring the bell!": Joe Biden completes cancer treatment

Former President of the United States, Joe Biden, has completed his radiation therapy as part of the fight against an aggressive prostate cancer, a spokesperson confirmed to CNN.

The former president, who will turn 83 next month, concluded this phase with a gesture full of symbolism: he rang the bell at Penn Medicine Radiation Oncology in Philadelphia, a tradition that represents hope and strength for those facing cancer.

The daughter of the former president, Ashley Biden, shared on her social media the emotional moment accompanied by a message of gratitude towards the medical team. “She rang the bell! Thank you to the amazing doctors, nurses, and staff at Penn Medicine. We are so grateful!” she wrote in an Instagram story.

In another post, Ashley added a family photo featuring Biden, his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, and two of his grandchildren, along with the message: “Dad has been very brave during his treatment. I am very grateful.”

Biden's spokesperson did not specify what the next medical steps will be, but those close to the former president assert that he maintains the optimism that has characterized both his public and personal life.

“The expectation is that we will be able to overcome this”, Biden told CNN weeks ago, when he revealed that the cancer, although aggressive, had not affected any organs and that his bones “remained strong.”

The diagnosis of prostate cancer with bone metastasis was announced in May, and since then the former leader has undergone an intensive treatment plan that included radiation therapy, hormonal medications, and, months earlier, Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer lesions.

Despite the challenge, Biden has kept his agenda active: he is expected to speak this Sunday in Boston, where he will receive a lifetime achievement award from the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, and to participate in a Democratic event in Nebraska next month.

A story of resistance

Biden's case has been closely followed by the international press, not only for its political relevance but also for the way he has faced the illness with calmness and messages of hope.

In October, the former president had begun radiation therapy, surrounded by his family and reaffirming his faith in "broken places," a phrase inspired by Ernest Hemingway that the politician often repeats to remind that from challenges arise the greatest strengths.

“Cancer affects us all. Jill and I have learned that we are stronger during difficult times,” Biden stated on his X account at the beginning of the treatment, alongside a family photo in which he appeared smiling, accompanied by his wife and their cat Willow.

At 82 years old, the former president embodies one of the virtues most admired by his countrymen: resilience. Ringing the bell was not only the conclusion of a medical phase, but also a symbol of life, courage, and hope for millions of people facing the same journey.