US Representative Julia Carson (D-Indianapolis) is larger than life.  When she entered a room – whether at the Indiana Statehouse or on Capitol Hill – she drew attention.

Yesterday, the Indiana congresswoman announced that she has terminal lung cancer.  Ms. Carson has been on medical leave from her duties in Congress. The Saturday announcement was the first to acknowledge that she has been suffering from cancer.

Her campaigning skills were legendary for being able to turn out the vote.  She achieved her life goals on her own with vigor, tenacity and steadfastness.

The Indy Star’s Matt Tully writes:

Carson’s tale is nothing short of a classic American success story. Born to a single mother in Louisville nearly 70 years ago, the woman constituents simply call “Julia” emerged from poverty to take her place in the U.S. Capitol — the heart of the American political system.

Carson’s rise should tell every child in Indiana and beyond that anything is possible.

“Her mom instilled in her the idea that you get what you work for,” said Marion County Auditor Billie Breaux, a longtime friend. “She loved her mom and wanted to make her proud. She made all of us proud.”

Carson rose from poverty but never forgot what it was like to be poor, never hesitating to stand up for those who were down. And even before she got old, she focused on the area’s eldest. I could write a book about the calls I’ve received over the years from people Carson helped — senior citizens, single parents, crime victims and more.