Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder announces he is cancer free
There was good news at Lacey City Council Tuesday night when Mayor Andy Ryder announced he has beaten cancer after being diagnosed with prostate cancer last year.
He made his announcement after council members each read a portion of a proclamation tied to the American Cancer Society and cancer awareness.
“I found out that I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and it was a scary time in my life, but luckily, I caught it early and had really good treatment options here in the Pacific Northwest, and I just got my first blood work done after my treatment, and everything looks good,” he told the council and others in the council chambers.
“It looks like I’m cancer free. And as you know, it’s going to be a long waiting game, but I’m so happy that not only do we have this proclamation, but there’s a constant reminder that it really is prevention and testing and early detection that makes all the difference.”
His comments were met with applause Tuesday night, but a year ago council chambers were much more somber. He announced his diagnosis in September, although by then he was already receiving treatments for the disease.
“I did not think this could be a possibility,” said Ryder, who had recently turned 50. “I thought this is something you have to worry about when you get older, but this is real, and so take the time, if you’re a man, take the time to go get checked. All it takes is a simple blood check, blood tests, and you can find out where you’re at.”
Before the September meeting ended, Deputy Mayor Malcolm Miller shared some parting words for the mayor.
“Mayor, we are with you,” he said. “We are continually here to support you, so we appreciate you being able to make it tonight, but know that our support is with you at all times.”
This story was originally published February 19, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
