The Liberal-National Party member for Ipswich West announced today that he has microvascular ischemic disease, a “variety of changes in the small blood vessels of your brain” which can lead to dementia or stroke depending on the severity, according to the academic medical centre Clevland Clinic.
Zanow, who is 52 and only joined parliament after winning a 17.6 per cent swing in his traditionally safe Labor seat in March, said that in people his age, the condition is “likely to signal that a more rapid onset has begun,” and further medical testing has “proven that to be true”.
“I have been given devastating news, I have been diagnosed with Microvascular Ischemic Disease,” Zanow said in a statement.
“In a twist of fate, my initial diagnosis was first reported to me on April 16, the same day I had the great honour of being sworn in as a member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly.
“Prior to April 16, I was unaware of it.
“This diagnosis means I will not be able to continue my work as the Member for Ipswich West beyond the next election.
“It is not a decision I have made lightly, but the reality is I have been given no other choice.
“Serving this community as an MP is one of the greatest honours of my life but because of this disease, my time in public office, and likely my life, will be cut short.”
He will leave office on October 26, when the Queensland state election will be held.
“There is no proven treatment available to slow the debilitating effects of my condition, and the prognosis for me requires that I must turn my attention immediately to the needs of my daughter Lola, who is aged seven,” Zanow said.
State Opposition Leader David Crisafulli paid tribute to Zanow.
“Inside and outside parliament, Darren Zanow has fought all his life for the people of Ipswich,” Crisafulli said.
“He now enters a new fight of his own after being diagnosed with microvascular ischemic disease.
“His time in parliament will end in October, but his character and generosity of spirit will be forever admired.
“I want to wish Darren and his family all the best as they take on this health battle.”
Queensland Premier Steven Miles also wished Zanow and his family well “for the battle ahead”.
“My thoughts are with Darren Zanow, after his diagnosis with Microvascular Ischemic Disease.
“In this job, we might be on different sides, but we’re all human and we all have families.
“Today’s news is sad and shocking.”