St. John’s city councillor Debbie Hanlon has taken an indefinite leave of absence as she undergoes treatment for a serious health issue.

The family tells VOCM News that Hanlon was diagnosed with a form of cancer after suddenly falling ill some 10 days ago.

Since then she has been hospitalized and undergoing aggressive treatment to stabilize her condition.

For now, the family wants to thank everyone, especially fellow councillors, for the thoughts and concerns expressed for Hanlon.

She was first elected in the 2008 byelection for Ward 4, re-elected in the 2009 general election, didn’t run in 2013, but was elected again in 2017 and 2021 as a councillor-at-large.

Hanlon has also been chosen as one of Atlantic Canada’s top 50 CEOs three times for her real estate and other business endeavours.