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Candid Candidate
* John Edwards pulled out of the presidential race on Jan. 30, 2008 *
John Edwards (D)
Occupation: Former U.S. senator from North Carolina
Birth Date: June 10, 1953
Spouse: Elizabeth
Children: Catherine, Emma, Jack. In 1996, Lucius Wade Edwards died in a car accident.
WebMD asked all the presidential candidates eight questions about how health affects them, from guilty pleasures to defining moments. While John Edwards has not yet responded to those questions, here are some health issues he or his family has faced.
Edwards' wife, Elizabeth, was diagnosed with breast cancer one day after the general election in 2004. She was in remission until March 2007 when her doctors discovered cancer on one of her ribs. She now has stage IV breast cancer. It's treatable, but not curable. At the time, Edwards said she would begin a new round of cancer treatment, and that she would also continue to campaign for her husband.
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The Edwards' son Wade died at age 16 in a car accident.
Elizabeth gave birth at age 48 to daughter Emma Claire and at about age 50 to son Jack.
Before beginning his political career, Edwards was a top personal injury trial attorney, winning several high-profile medical malpractice cases.
He enjoys running.
His worst habit is "drinking soda."
The content contained in WebMD's "Health Matters in the 2008 Election" section is for informational purposes only. WebMD does not endorse any specific political party, candidate, committee, idea or belief.
The Candidates
Read the candidates' health platforms plus find out how health affects them personally.
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