Laurel Councilman Diagnosed With Cancerous Lesion

Laurel Councilman H. Edwards Ricks announced today that he would undergo surgery to remove a cancerous lesion on his left kidney.

The surgery, a left laparoscopic nephrectomy, is scheduled for mid-May at the University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore. Ricks is expected to be hospitalized for several days after the procedure.

According to a news release by the city, , 67, said the cancer was discovered early.  He is pleased with his prognosis and looks forward to a complete recovery. He is retired after previously working for the Family Division of the Superior Court in Washington, D.C

Ricks plans to work from home and to be in touch regularly with Mayor Craig Moe, his council colleagues, and the Clerk’s Office. He expects his absence from the council to be minimal but intends to continue serving while he recovers.

Ricks was after serving on the council from 1980 to 1988. Last year, he spoke of his commitment to serving the City of Laurel.

"I just gravitated toward [community involvement],” he said. “I’m a community activist.”