Articles

Rev. Jesse Jackson: No timetable on son’s recovery

Category: National Published on Friday, 03 August 2012 10:59 Written by Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP)—Rev. Jesse Jackson said there is “no timetable” as his son, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., recovers from depression and gastrointestinal issues at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

The elder Jackson spoke to reporters Saturday outside a downtown Chicago movie theater. The civil rights leader was with protesters in support of a ban on assault weapons.

RECOVERING— U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., thanks supporters at his primary election night party, March 20 in Chicago. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File)

“There is no timetable on his recovery,” Jackson said. “We hope he will fully recover.”

Jackson, a Chicago Democrat, has been on a secretive leave of absence for nearly seven weeks. The congressman went on leave June 10, but his office didn't disclose it until weeks later. Initially, his office said Jackson was being treated for exhaustion. Since then, the office has said his condition was more serious and required inpatient medical treatment.

The Mayo Clinic released a statement Friday saying the congressman was being treated there for depression and gastrointestinal issues.

The elder Jackson said “such a challenge is a game-changer, and challenges all members of a given family.”