Former Fort Worth City Council member Gyna Bivens said she’s leaning on “strong faith in God” and support from her community to see her through a battle against cancer.
Bivens, who long represented east Fort Worth, announced she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in the pancreas in a statement shared to social media in late October. She is undergoing evaluation as an inpatient at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital at UT Southwestern in Dallas.
“I am facing another health battle. It is certainly not the first I’ve had,” Bivens said Nov. 3. “I have strong faith in God. I’ve seen him work and bring me through several battles deemed impossible in the past, and I’ll be leaning on that place for him to see me through this.”
Bivens knew “very little” about pancreatic cancer before receiving the diagnosis, she said. Since then, she’s learned that the cancer runs in her family. She’s grateful to be receiving care from UT Southwestern and is “looking forward to positive outcomes.”
In the spirit of transparency she sought to embody as an elected official, Bivens said it was important to share her diagnosis publicly. She wants people to know, “There are no ‘get out of hospital free’ cards based on your occupation.”
“Your thoughts, prayers and support mean the world to me during this time,” Bivens wrote in her announcement. “As more information becomes available, I will be sure to keep you informed.”
Her diagnosis comes about six months after stepping down from City Council. She was the longest serving council member after holding office for 12 years, or six terms. She represented a sprawling strip of east Fort Worth including the historically Black neighborhood of Stop Six.
During her tenure, Bivens championed economic development in Stop Six, advocated for stronger protections for the city’s tree canopy and supported affordable housing for senior citizens.
Several of Bivens’ former colleagues on the council, as well as other elected officials across the county, expressed well wishes and offered prayers for her health.
Mayor Mattie Parker said in a statement she’s keeping her “dear friend” in her heart and prayers. Parker worked alongside Bivens on City Council for four years.
“She is a pillar of leadership in our community, and I have no doubt she will face this battle with tenacity, courage and grace,” Parker wrote. “You have a whole community behind you, believing in your strength and recovery.”
Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare asked social media followers to join him in praying for the former council member.
“Get well soon, Gyna!” O’Hare wrote.
Council member Deborah Peoples, who succeeded Bivens, wrote on social media, “Prayers going up!”
Council member Carlos Flores, who served alongside Bivens the longest of the sitting members, urged residents to keep Bivens in their prayers.
“Having served with Gyna for many years, this is particularly heartbreaking to share,” Flores wrote on social media.
Council member Mia Hall, who took office after Bivens stepped down, said Bivens is like family as a longtime friend of her uncle. Through that relationship, Bivens has become a “source of inspiration and guidance,” Hall said.
“Gyna’s leadership, integrity, and compassion exemplify what it means to serve,” Hall wrote on social media. “My thoughts and prayers are with her as she faces this challenge, and I have every confidence that she will meet it with the same grace and strength that have defined her life and career.”
Cecilia Lenzen is a government accountability reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at cecilia.lenzen@fortworthreport.org.
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