Via CNN: Civil rights trailblazer and longtime Congressman John Lewis (D-Georgia), 79, has been diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer.

In a statement, he said of his health:

I have been in some kind of fight — for freedom, equality, basic human rights — for nearly my entire life. I have never faced a fight quite like the one I have now.

He told supporters he remains optimistic and will seek treatment.

Lewis has served Georgia's 5th Congressional District for over 30 years. His wife died in 2012.

Following his announcement, someone altered his Wikipedia page to gloat:

The right is always classy. (Image via Wikipedia)