FL’s First Lady, Casey DeSantis, Diagnosed With Breast Cancer: Gov. DeSantis

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida first lady Casey DeSantis, the wife of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The governor shared a written statement Monday about the health challenges his 41-year-old “beloved wife” faces.

“As the mother of three young children, Casey is the centerpiece of our family and has made an impact on the lives of countless Floridians through her initiatives as First Lady,” the statement read. “As she faces the most difficult test of her life, she will have not only have my unwavering support but the support of our entire family, as well as the prayers and well wishes from Floridians across our state. Casey is a true fighter, and she will never, never, never give up.”

The governor didn’t offer any additional details about the stage of his wife’s diagnosis or treatment plans.

The announcement comes at the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is recognized every October.

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A native of Ohio, Casey earned a bachelor of science degree in economics from the College of Charleston and previously worked for the PGA Tour as a producer and on-air host, earning an Emmy while working in Jacksonville. She is also a three-time National Champion equestrian, as well as a runner-up Division I NCAA Champion

She and the governor have three children together: 4-year-old Madison, 3-year-old Mason and their youngest daughter, 18-month-old Mamie. Mamie was the first baby born in the governor's mansion in more than 50 years.

Since her husband was elected in 2018, Casey has spearheaded four major initiatives, according to her official state biography.

The most recent initiative, established through the Department of Children and Families, is Hope Florida — A Pathway to Prosperity, Economic Self-Sufficiency and Hope. This program offers guidance and an individualized path to prosperity by connecting people to resources in the private sector, faith-based organizations, nonprofits and government entities, the state said.

In February of this year, the first lady also launched the Resiliency Florida initiative, a partnership with professional sports teams and athletes to address the stigma surrounding mental health. In December 2019, she established “The Facts. Your Future” campaign to empower students with facts about substance abuse; and in May 2019, she launched the Hope for Healing Florida initiative, addressing mental health and substance abuse.