Tulsi Gabbard Reveals Promising Update on Husband’s Bone Cancer Surgery
Tulsi Gabbard Shares Hopeful Update on Husband’s Rare Cancer Battle
A Personal Journey Shared with the World
Former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard recently posted an emotional 3-minute video on X (formerly Twitter) giving everyone an update on her husband Abraham Williams’ fight against a very rare type of bone cancer. The video shows both the scary moments and the hopeful progress they’ve experienced together.
Important Point: This isn’t just a political story—it’s a human story about a family facing a serious health crisis with courage, faith, and each other.
What Is Sacral Chordoma? (In Simple Terms)
Imagine the very bottom of your spine, right above your tailbone. That triangular bone is called the sacrum. A sacral chordoma is a cancerous tumor that grows there. Here’s what makes it so challenging:
- Extremely rare – Only about 1 in a million people get it
- Slow-growing but tricky to treat because of its location near nerves and the spinal cord
- Requires major surgery – Often the only way to remove it completely
- High risk of recurrence – Means it can come back, so careful monitoring is essential
The Timeline: From Diagnosis to Today
1. The Shocking Phone Call
Earlier this year, Abraham got a call from his doctor. His voice changed when he told Tulsi: "I have sacral chordoma." A "one in a million" cancer.
2. Choosing Surgery Over Radiation
After weighing options, they decided on surgery—a massive 7 to 8-hour operation to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue.
3. The Difficult Recovery
- Abraham’s body reacted badly to anesthesia drugs
- He refused narcotic pain medication, choosing to push through the pain naturally
- Nurses helped him take his first shaky steps while still throwing up from the drugs
- He kept going: "A few steps, throw up, keep going"
4. The Good News (3 Months Later)
- Pathologists confirm: All cancerous bone and tissue were removed
- Abraham started rigorous physical therapy
- He’s progressing well, though frustrated by the slow pace
- Currently cancer-free but needs frequent MRIs to monitor for any return
Why This Story Got Political Attention
Callout: When Tulsi Gabbard resigned as Director of National Intelligence in May (officially stepping down in June) to care for her husband, some media outlets and Democratic figures (like Neera Tanden and Adam Schiff) criticized the timing and suggested political motives.
Fox News hosts and commentators called this response "disgusting" and inappropriate—arguing that attacking someone during a family health crisis crosses a line, regardless of politics.
The Couple’s Message of Gratitude
At the end of the video, Tulsi and Abraham shared a tight, loving hug and said:
| From Tulsi | From Abraham |
|---|---|
| "We are so grateful to God for His unconditional love, for being our shelter, our peace and our strength" | "Love you, darlin’" |
| "Thank you to the doctors, surgeon, pathologist, anesthesiologist" | "I love you" |
| "Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much) to all of you for prayers and well wishes" | — |
What Happens Next?
- Continued physical therapy – Building strength and mobility
- Regular MRI scans – Watching for any sign of recurrence
- Living with uncertainty – As Tulsi said: "The reality is that the battle isn’t over yet"
- Sharing their journey – Hoping to help others facing similar diagnoses
Summary
- Tulsi Gabbard’s husband Abraham was diagnosed with sacral chordoma – a 1-in-a-million bone cancer at the base of the spine
- He underwent a grueling 7-8 hour surgery where doctors believe they removed all cancer
- Recovery has been brutal – anesthesia reactions, intense pain (managed without opioids), and slow physical therapy progress
- Three months later: He’s cancer-free and improving, but needs lifelong monitoring via MRIs
- Gabbard resigned from her Cabinet position to support him, drawing unfair political criticism from some quarters
- The couple credits faith, medical team, and public support for getting them through
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What exactly is a sacral chordoma?
It’s a rare, slow-growing cancerous tumor in the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of your spine, above the tailbone). Because it’s near critical nerves, surgery is complex and recurrence is common.
Why did Tulsi Gabbard resign as Director of National Intelligence?
She announced in May 2025 that she was stepping down to focus entirely on supporting her husband through his cancer treatment and recovery. She officially left the role at the end of June.
Is Abraham cured now?
He is currently cancer-free after surgery, but chordoma has a high recurrence rate. He will need frequent MRIs for the foreseeable future to catch any return early.
Why did he refuse narcotic pain medication?
The article doesn’t specify his exact reasons, but some patients choose this to avoid opioid dependence, stay mentally clear, or due to personal/medical preferences. It made his recovery much more painful.
What was the political controversy about?
When Gabbard resigned, some media figures and Democrats questioned her motives, suggesting politics rather than her husband’s health drove the decision. Critics across the spectrum called these attacks cruel and inappropriate given the family’s crisis.
Final Thought: Behind every public figure is a private life. The Gabbard-Williams family reminded us that love, resilience, and gratitude can shine even in the darkest valleys. Whatever your politics, their humanity deserves respect.