Veteran city councillor Jeannie Kanakos has taken a leave of absence due to medical reasons.
Having missed almost the last couple of months attending council, Kanakos told the Optimist she wants the community to know she’s officially on medical leave for this month and last, but still hopes to return as soon as later this month if possible.
“I have been diagnosed with Polymyalgia and have had complications with the medication for it. I should be back to a more normal state soon - however, will be dealing with the disease for 18 months to two years. The good news is that it is curable and with the right medication, I can live a normal life including assuming council duties,” she explained via email.
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a chronic inflammatory condition of the muscle that affects primarily the elderly. The disorder causes muscle pain and stiffness in various parts of the body, most commonly affecting the shoulders, neck and arms. About 15 percent of individuals affected with polymyalgia rheumatica also have giant cell arteritis.
Kanakos was first elected in 2005 to council and has served continuously, expect for one term, having been re-elected last fall under the Independents Working For You banner.
