Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan said Wednesday he has entered home hospice care, less than two months after revealing he had been diagnosed with cancer.
In a somber note on his Facebook page, Hogan said that his time as Mayor of Aurora "will end sooner than I had desired." He revealed his cancer diagnosis on Facebook in March and said he would not be seeking reelection, though he said he would continue serving as mayor.
"I have entered into home hospice care, with the understanding that my future days will be lived with dignity, grace, and in peace," Hogan said in the statement.
Aurora city spokeswoman Lori MacKenzie said over email Hogan is still the city's mayor and is "carrying out his duties."
"As said before, the Mayor Pro Tem (Marsha Berzins) and Council Members are assisting with ceremonial duties of the office," MacKenzie said.
Hogan has served as Aurora's mayor since November 2011, running unopposed in 2015. He was eligible to run in 2019. In his note on Wednesday, Hogan said that his cause in life would always be public service. He called it an honor to serve as a state representative, councilman and mayor.
"Thirty-four years of elected office, many more of consequential service, have passed far too quickly," Hogan said in his statement. "I am most proud that each day I gave my best efforts and heart for the betterment of this great city, region and state. I would respectfully encourage each person reading this message to embrace the honor of public service—continually seeking to enrich the lives of our fellow residents. It is in this honor, in this service, where leadership and inclusive governance will flourish."
State Sen. Rhonda Fields of Aurora said Wednesday the city has flourished under Hogan's leadership. It's expanded business, housing and recreational options, and has connected to surrounding communities with the extension of the RTD line into the city, she said.
Fields said she's proud of the work Hogan has done for the city. She's known Hogan for about eight years.
"He's done a lot of good work and it's hard to put into words," Fields said.
She said she had believed Hogan would overcome his diagnosis, citing his fighter's disposition.
"I'm really very saddened that he's in this state," Fields said.
Denver City Council President Albus Brooks — who last month underwent surgery to treat a rare form of cancer — tweeted out a message on Wednesday.
U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner also tweeted out a message responding to Hogan's announcement.
Calling Aurora "my heart," Hogan said in his statement he's seen the city "gracefully transition from a gateway suburb on the plains" to the 54th largest city in the country.
"Our parks, libraries and city services foster great pride and lend to the remarkable character of our neighborhoods," Hogan said in his statement. "Even more, the people of Aurora define this city. We have grown, we have grieved, we have overcome and we shall continue to prosper together. A heartfelt thanks to my former and current colleagues and to all the city employees — what an honor it has been to serve with each of you."
"Aurora, a new dawn awaits. Thank you for allowing me to live my best life," Hogan said, concluding in his statement.
