Prayer vigil held for Minden mayor

MINDEN, La. (KSLA) - The community was invited to join a prayer vigil Wednesday, May 25 for Minden Mayor Terry Gardner.

The event began at noon at the Minden Civic Center, 520 Broadway St., according to a Facebook post.

The vigil was planned following Gardner’s announcement that he is suffering severe health complications. In a video posted Tuesday, May 24 to the city’s Facebook page, the mayor announces he has pancreatic and liver cancer.

“Our entire community is devastated with this news,” District E Councilwoman Pam Bloxom said, fighting back tears.

“This is probably one of the hardest videos I’ve ever had to put out there for our citizens,” Gardner says at the beginning of his video.

He says that he’ll be receiving the best care you can possibly get and that he’s expecting a full recovery and “many more years of life.”

“We’ve all had friends and family affected by cancer; I’ve suffered from cancer. But I never expected to hit Terry because he’s all over town,” Bloxom said. “He’s everywhere. He’s at every event. He’s upbeat and encouraging in town to do what they feel will help this community be better. For him to be in this position, it’s just really a low blow to all of us.”

The Minden Police Officers Association held the vigil and said that the road is long and difficult, and they are asking for a moment of prayer and silence for Gardner.

The City of Minden told KSLA it will be “business as usual” throughout Gardner’s treatment. However, he may work remotely when necessary.

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