Illinois news anchor Dave Benton, has been publicly battling cancer for quite some time, however, his latest announcement about his disease came as a shock to the rest of the world.
On Thursday, during a newscast, Benton revealed to the viewers of WCIA-TV in Champaign that his doctors recently told him that his brain tumor has grown too large for surgery or radiation, and that he has only four to six months to live, People has learned.
And while Benton's news was deeply heartbreaking and tragic, the journalist appeared calm and optimistic as he told his audience that he is "at peace" with his condition.
He said he will try a new treatment to delay the tumor's growth, and that his goal is to add "a few more days and make them the best they can be." He also said he hopes to work as long as he can.
"As you know I am a born-again Christian, I believe that I am in God's hands, I am at peace, and I know that he's going to take care of the days ahead. And that the goal here is to have the best ones possible," Benton added.
Back in January, the 51-year-old journalist who grew up in Addison, Chicago and graduated from Northern Illinois University, tweeted that he was halfway to the finish line for chemotherapy, according to Bustle. By February, he wrapped up the radiation treatments, only to learn after that his tumor came back even worse than before in the intervening months.
Benton reportedly will be celebrating his nine-year anniversary at the news station in about three weeks. Along with his supporters, he also took the time to recognize other individuals enduring a similar struggle.
"The viewers have so supported me through this," he said. "They too deserve that support - because it's not just really only about me."