Former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard shared an emotional but hopeful update on her husband’s battle with an extraordinarily rare form of bone cancer, revealing that doctors believe they successfully removed all cancerous tissue during surgery.
In a three-minute video posted to X, Gabbard opened up about the grueling operation and difficult recovery her husband, Abraham Williams, has endured since being diagnosed with sacral chordoma earlier this year.
“A few weeks after the surgery was done, the pathologist and the doctors said that they are confident that they were able to cut out all of the cancerous bone and tissue,” Gabbard said, according to Fox News.
Nearly three months after the operation, Williams is now participating in what Gabbard described as a “very rigorous physical therapy program.”
“He gets frustrated a lot because he wants to be able to make progress faster, and sometimes he’s pushed a little bit too far, but overall, Abraham is progressing very well,” she said.
Still, Gabbard cautioned that the couple’s ordeal is far from finished.
“The reality is that the battle isn’t over yet,” she said.
Williams will require frequent MRI scans to monitor whether the cancer returns in the same location or spreads elsewhere.
Sacral chordoma is a slow-growing cancer that forms near the base of the spine. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately one in every million people worldwide is diagnosed with chordoma each year. Surgery is the preferred treatment when possible, but removing the entire tumor can be difficult because of its proximity to nerves, blood vessels and other critical tissue.
Gabbard said Williams was given a choice between radiation and an invasive operation requiring surgeons to remove part of his sacrum and tailbone. The couple opted for surgery.
The nearly eight-hour procedure was successful, but the immediate aftermath was harrowing.
As Williams emerged from heavy anesthesia, his body reacted severely to the drugs. Gabbard recalled that he repeatedly insisted on trying to walk—with the assistance of nurses—even as he became sick.
“He would take a few steps. He would throw up as he was trying to walk around, but he kept going,” she said.
Williams also declined narcotic pain medication, forcing him to push through the intense postoperative pain with other forms of treatment, Gabbard said.
The diagnosis prompted Gabbard to resign from President Donald Trump’s Cabinet in May so she could support her husband throughout his treatment. Her departure became effective June 30.
“At this time, I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle,” Gabbard wrote in her resignation letter.
In Thursday’s video, Gabbard thanked God, Williams’ medical team and the countless people who sent prayers and well wishes during the family’s ordeal.
“We are so grateful to God for His unconditional love, for being our shelter, for being our peace and our strength,” she said.
The deeply personal message ended with Williams stepping into view and wrapping his wife in a tight embrace.
“Love you, darlin’,” he told her.
“I love you,” Gabbard replied.
