Former United States Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard shared an emotional update on Thursday about her husband Abraham Williams’ recovery following surgery for sacral chordoma, a rare form of bone cancer.
Williams underwent a seven-hour surgery earlier this year, during which doctors removed cancerous bone and tissue. In a video posted to X, Gabbard confirmed that pathologists and doctors expressed confidence that all cancerous material was excised during the procedure. She noted that Williams has since begun a rigorous physical therapy program, though his recovery has included challenges such as frustration over slow progress and setbacks from overexertion.
Gabbard described the emotional and physical toll of Williams’ diagnosis and treatment, including the initial shock of the diagnosis and the anesthesia-related complications Williams experienced during recovery. She expressed gratitude toward medical professionals, including surgeons, pathologists, and anesthesiologists, as well as supporters who offered prayers and well-wishes. Gabbard also referenced her resignation from her role as DNI in May to focus on her husband’s health, which was finalized at the end of June.
Williams, visibly emotional, was shown in the video embracing Gabbard and expressing his love for her. Gabbard closed the update by thanking supporters and acknowledging the ongoing nature of the recovery process, stating, “The battle isn’t over yet.” She also shared that the couple finds strength in their faith and community support.
Sacral chordoma, described by Gabbard as a “one in a million type of cancer,” is a slow-growing but locally aggressive tumor that forms near the base of the spine. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the tumor, followed by rehabilitation to restore mobility and function. The rarity of the condition makes long-term prognosis data limited, though early surgical intervention is often emphasized in medical literature as a critical factor in outcomes.