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FORMER congresswoman Mia Love has died at the age of 49 following a battle with brain cancer.
Love, who served as the representative for Utah’s fourth congressional district between 2015 and 2019, was the first black Republican woman to be elected to Congress.
She was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2022 and died on Sunday night.
“With grateful hearts filled to overflowing for the profound influence of Mia on our lives, we want you to know that she passed away peacefully today,” her family said on X.
“She was in her home surrounded by family.
“In the midst of a celebration of her life and an avalanche of happy memories, Mia quietly slipped the bands of mortality and, as her words and vision always did, soared heavenward.”
Love died just weeks after she revealed her “living wish” for Americans in a comment piece for Deseret News.
“I am taking up my pen, not to say goodbye but to say thank you and express my living wish for you and the America I know,” the paragraph of the piece said.
She explained her cancer battle was coming to an end as she revealed she had moved away from treatments to spending time with her family.
Love had undergone immunotherapy for every three weeks since August 2023 before revealing earlier this month, she was no longer responding to treatment.
“My life has been extended by exceptional medical care, science and extraordinary professionals who have become dear friends,” she said.
In the column, Love recalled how she was inspired by her parents who migrated to the US with just $10.
She said she didn’t want the piece to be viewed as a “dying wish.”
“I was taught to love this country, warts and all, and understand I had a role to play in our nation’s future,” she wrote.
“I learned to passionately believe in the possibilities and promise of America.”
She revealed her parents taught her lessons in responsibility and opened up on what she believes makes America great.
“What makes America great is the idea that when government is limited and decisions are made closest to the people they impact, people are free — free to work, free to live, free to choose, free to fail and free to achieve,” she said.
Glioblastoma symptoms
GLIOBLASTOMA is a highly aggressive form of brain cancer
Symptoms include:
- Seizures
- Headaches
- Difficulty with balance
- Memory loss
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Speech difficulties
There is no cure for glioblastoma but treatments can be used to prolong life.
On average, the survival rate for glioblastoma patients is 12-15 months.
Only 5% of patients survive more than five years, according to the Brain Tumour Charity.
Tributes have poured in for the former congresswoman, with Utah governor Spencer Cox describing Love as a “trailblazer.”
“Abby and I are heartbroken by the passing of our dear friend Mia Love,” he wrote on X.
“A true trailblazer and visionary leader, Mia inspired countless Utahns through her courage, grace, and unwavering belief in the American dream.
“Her legacy leaves a lasting, positive impact on our state.”
Former senator and GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney hailed Love’s faith and fortitude.
Love defeated Doug Owens in 2014 to win election to the House of Representatives.
She defeated Owens again in 2016, but suffered a narrow loss in 2018.
