Mayor Menard takes medical leave

PALMER—Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor Curt Menard will be taking temporary medical leave to fight cancer.

In 2003, Menard was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer. He underwent treatment for a year, and the cancer was in remission for about two years. Recent tests discovered that the cancer has returned with a tumor in his neck. Mayor Menard will get treatment at one of the best medical institutions in the nation, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and here at the MAT-SU Regional Medical Center.

"I'm taking a temporary medical leave of absence and will keep abreast as much as possible on the issues. While I'm out, Deputy Mayor Lynne Woods will be capably at the helm," Menard said.

Menard expects to be out for a few weeks.

Borough Manager John Duffy describes the new Mayor as an inspiration. "We wish him the very best, a speedy recovery, and we expect him back soon," Duffy said.

Family friend, Chas St. George, said Dr. Menard is tough. "He's going to fight this thing," St. George said.

"It's an illness he's beat once. He'll beat it again."

Mayor Menard will answer reporters questions. Contact Patty Sullivan, public affairs manager, at (907) 745-9577.