Metuchen Councilman Tyler Kandel Reveals Cancer Diagnosis In Emotional Statement
In an emotional speech that lasted a little over seven minutes, Kandel said he felt the need to let the community know of his diagnosis.
"It was discovered after I was experiencing several weeks or month of pain in my side, in my back, which ultimately led me to the JFK emergency room late one night about a week and a half ago. I was then given the bad news over the following few days after testing," Kandel said.
The councilman said that since his diagnosis, several people with cancer, specifically multiple myeloma, reached out to him directly to offer support. Some of them were even present during the meeting on Monday.
"I can't put into words how much it's meant to me over the last week, even though I've tried. I see several of you here tonight, and I won't name anybody by names, but I'm holding myself by a thread knowing that you took time out of your lives with what's going on in your lives to come here for me," Kandel said.
Kandel is currently in the process of getting all the information about upcoming treatment and said that the road ahead will be "challenging and likely painful."
"I know the physical toll it will take on my body," Kandel said. "But the same fighter that has always been inside of me will be there, the same fighter that you elected and re-elected will be there. And I vow that I will not give up on that fight."
Kandel thanked the community, Mayor, and council members for their support and reiterated his commitment to serving the community. He told the community he had considered resigning at one point but decided against it after speaking with fellow council members and the Mayor.
"I've decided that I'm not going to resign, and while you may not see me at every council meeting going forward, you may not see me at every committee meeting that I'm a liaison to, you may not see me at every photo op, you may not see me at every business opening — but I will be working as hard as I can behind the scenes to contribute what I can to this borough. I owe it to the public. I owe it to myself, and I will get through this difficult time and continue to contribute," Kandel said.
Kandel also emphasized the importance of giving back to the community and the profound impact of the support he received.
"Over the years, I put a lot into this borough. A lot of my time volunteering for other people, trying to make this town, as great as it possibly could for other people and for my own family," Kandel said.
"I have never expected or asked for anything in return. But here, tonight, and over the last 10 days, this is what I've gotten out of it — is you guys being here for me and reaching out directly to me with your texts and calls and offers to help. I can't tell you how much it means to somebody in my situation, and I thank you all."
