Sheriff updates public on pancreatic cancer battle [Video]

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler said Friday he’s been humbled and gratified by the outpouring of support shown following his announcement that he’s fighting pancreatic cancer.

“Let me tell you, the prayers have been unreal. Not only the prayers, but I’ve gotten text messages, emails, cards,” Spangler told journalists Friday during a meeting. “This is just a small stack of cards that I’ve received here. It’s overwhelming — to a good point.”

Spangler announced in February he’d been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a serious and sobering disease. He learned his condition after enduring persistent pain for months while and trying to locate the source.

Subsequently, doctors informed him they’d also found a spot on his liver.

Spangler, a career law officer who is in the middle of his second term in office, said he was …