Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) – Casey DeSantis, the wife of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

"I am saddened to report that Florida's esteemed First Lady and my beloved wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer," wrote Gov. DeSantis in a public statement. "As the mother of three young children, Casey is the centerpiece of our family and has made an impact on the lives of countless Floridians through her initiatives as First Lady. As she faces the most difficult test of her life, she will not only have my unwavering support but the support of our entire family, as well as the prayers and well wishes from Floridians across our state. Casey is a true fighter, and she will never, never, never give up."

Casey DeSantis, 41, is the mother of three children under age 5.

The DeSantis family immediately received an outpouring of support on social media.

"The prayers of our entire Senate family are with our wonderful First Lady Casey DeSantis, Governor DeSantis and their entire family as they face this serious health challenge," Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, said on Twitter.

Sen. Annette Taddeo, a Miami Democrat who has considered running for governor next year, tweeted: "All of Florida is rooting for you @FLCaseyDeSantis to beat cancer and for a speedy recovery. Our prayers are with the Governor, you and the entire First Family."

Casey DeSantis is a former Jacksonville news personality and television show host for the PGA tour.

She has played a prominent role in her husband's administration, particularly on issues such as mental-health and substance-abuse services. She also chairs the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet.

Casey DeSantis was raised in Ohio and received her Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Charleston in South Carolina.

She met Ron DeSantis, then a naval officer at Naval Station Mayport, on a golf course. They married in September 2010.