John Lewis to miss Martin Luther King Jr. Day event

Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) is going to miss a Martin Luther King Jr. Day event in Michigan due to his cancer treatment.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan said in a press release obtained by The Hill that Lewis was scheduled to speak at the 35th annual event in Lansing, Mich., but is not expected to attend this year.

Lewis, who recently announced his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, is reducing the amount of travel due to the treatment he is receiving.

“We will continue to pray for Congressman Lewis’ full recovery and look forward to welcoming him to our community in the future,” Elaine Hardy, the chair of the commission, said in a statement.

“It will be a full and robust program that also includes a tribute to Congressman John Lewis for his many years of extraordinary service,” she added. 

Other lawmakers are slated to speak at the sold-out program that’s expected to draw 1,800 people, including Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.).

Lewis announced last month that he will undergo treatment for stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

Updated: 4 p.m.