Well Wishes Pour In For Ailing Carson

INDIANAPOLIS -- Well wishes are pouring in for Rep. Julia Carson, of Indianapolis, who is under hospice care and revealed over the weekend that she has terminal lung cancer.

Gov. Mitch Daniels sent a hand-delivered message to Carson's home Monday night via retired Rep. Andy Jacobs, one of Carson's closest friends, 6News' Rick Hightower reported.

Jacobs said he was asked to personally deliver the sealed message, adding that it was an honor to do so.

"That was very nice of Mitch to do that, I thought," Jacobs said. "My wife brought the message to me from the governor's office."

Carson is receiving care at her home. The ailing congresswoman has not been in Washington since September, when she dealt with a severe leg infection and corresponding rehabilitation, according to her office.

Amidst the political wrangling taking place about Carson's future replacement, Jacobs said well wishes are comforting and coming from all political persuasions, including the state's GOP chairman.

"That's Murray Clark. He said she's very much in our prayers. How about a sharp contrast, something warm and human," Jacobs said.

The Rev. Jonathan Baily said he was with Carson when doctors told her she had cancer about a year ago. He said the doctor finally told her that she had just days to live recently.

"She asked the doctor, 'How long have I got?'" Baily said. He said, 'It's not our thing to tell you how long, just make you comfortable.'"

Friends and constituents said Monday that they will miss Carson's unique style of leadership.

"You'll never see a person so at peace with that fate. It's all for one reason -- her religion, her faith," Jacobs said. "She has no doubts whatsoever."

A candlelight vigil is planned outside Carson's home on Friday at 6:30 p.m.