Rep. Pyle to undergo surgery to remove cancerous tumor
FORD CITY -- Colleagues, constituents and friends alike were concerned with the health of state Rep. Jeff Pyle, R-60th, after he announced yesterday that he has been diagnosed with a large cancerous tumor in one of his kidneys.
Pyle was to have introduced Gov. Ed Rendell at a ribbon cutting ceremony for new company Caracal in the borough's Heritage and Technology Park.
"I'm concerned first for my friend who is ill," said Steve Kozuch, president of borough council who worked with Pyle when he was the mayor. "I feel bad too for him and the people he represents that he's not able to do his duties."
In a statement issued by his legislative office, Pyle said he experienced gastric pain on Saturday and checked himself into Armstrong County Memorial Hospital where tests and CAT scans revealed the cancer. Doctors have prescribed removal of the kidney and have assured him that this type of procedure and cancer has very high successful recovery rates, the statement said.
"My heart goes out to Jeff," said John Rudosky, a member of borough council. "Jeff is a friend to everyone in our community."
Pyle's surgery will take place at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center later this week. He said he anticipates a recovery time of six to 12 weeks.
"I thought my biggest fight this year would be eliminating school property taxes," Pyle said.
Pyle said his Ford City, Apollo and Harrisburg offices will remain fully functional throughout his recovery process.
"The citizens of the 60th District deserve access to state government and a little bit of surgery should not deter that access in any shape or form," he said.
Pyle also announced that he has appointed Kirk Atwood to serve as his new chief of staff. Atwood will run all district office operations in his absence. Atwood, a native of Kittanning, has been working in Pyle's office since December.
"I have the utmost confidence that Kirk will be able to serve the people of this district," Pyle said. "He has spent the last couple of months learning the intricacies of the state representative's office and is fully prepared to handle the job."
Anyone with any type of appointment during the next several weeks can contact his office in order to reschedule.
The legislative breakfast in South Buffalo Township slated for Feb. 19 and at which Pyle hoped to meet with constituents and discuss issues on their minds, will be rescheduled for sometime after he has fully recovered.
Pyle said he is thankful for the unfailing love and support of his wife Michelle, kids, family and friends. He said he appreciates the prayers offered and asked for the public's understanding throughout his fight.
"I've never shied from a fight in my life and I'm not about to start," Pyle said. "The doctors are optimistic and so am I.
"I'll just be laid up for a little while."
