L. Brooks Patterson announces he has stage 4 pancreatic cancer

OAKLAND CO. Mich. (FOX 2) - Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson announced that he has stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

The 80-year-old plans to continue performing his duties as executive while he receives treatment from the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. 

“Alex Trebek has nothing on me. I’m fighting this cancer to be among the 10 percent who survive it,” said Patterson who received the official diagnosis on March 15 in a press release. “I will continue to do my job as Oakland County executive alongside the members of my administration who comprise the best team anywhere in government.”

Originally taking office Jan 1. in 1993, Patterson is more than halfway through his seventh term as county executive. He doesn't however plan to seek an eighth term in office. He also served as Oakland County prosecutor from Jan. 1, 1973 to Dec. 31, 1988. 

Overseeing the second-largest county in Michigan, Patterson's 26 years in office has led to a consistently balanced budget that investment ratings firms recognize as one of the best in the country.

Oakland County has also reached under 5 percent unemployment under the guidance of Patterson.