Commissioner Gist reveals brain tumor

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- A Rhode Island official revealed a frightening health concern Tuesday morning.

Education Commissioner Deborah Gist revealed that she has a brain tumor, but luckily it's a type that is almost always benign and not life-threatening.

In July, Gist suffered a concussion on her way to a conference, and during recovery medical examiners discovered that she had a brain tumor.

Commissioner Gist issued a message to the many Rhode Islanders who have contacted her since her injury last month.

"Thank you very much for your messages, your thoughts, and your prayers, which have helped me enormously in my recovery," she said. "I am also grateful for the outstanding team at RIDE that has been working hard to transform education and that will continue to lead these efforts during my recovery. Throughout my recuperation, it has been heartening to know that I have so many friends and colleagues who share with me a tireless commitment to improving the lives of students and families across Rhode Island."

She is scheduled to have the tumor removed next month, and in the meantime is planning on working a limited schedule.