WARSAW — Kosciusko County Republican Chair Mike Ragan has overseen the annual GOP Hall of Fame dinner for the past nine years, but on Monday, he was unable to attend. 

Party Secretary Austin Rovenstine provided an update almost as soon as the huge crowd at the Owl's Nest in North Webster was seated for dinner.

Ragan, he explained, was diagnosed with leukemia a week ago, a declaration that drew a hushed sense of alarm from many of the guests, almost all of whom know Ragan personally.

"Now don't worry, he's not going anywhere. He's in good spirits and he's still able to execute his duties as chairman," Rovenstine said.

Ragan talked with News Now Warsaw on Thursday afternoon and sounded optimistic, but said he's also dealing with a case of Shingles, which can cause excessive itching and burning for weeks.

He said he decided not to attend Monday's political dinner because both illnesses can compromise a person's ability to ward off other types of sickness.

He said many people have reached out to offer support since Monday's party.

"I'm still getting calls and texts, so I really appreciate it," he said.

He said recent tests showed a "low blood count," which led to a bone marrow biopsy and the diagnosis.

"I really don't feel sick, other than the shingles," he said. "Hopefully, once I get past the shingles, I'll be more in the swing of things."

He spoke about having a good outlook.

"I feel really positive about things, and we're going to do everything we can to get past this," Ragan said. "

"I know I'm in God's hands, and wherever he takes me, of course, I'm all in," he said.

Ragan has served for more than a decade as chairman and said that he has no intentions of stepping down.

He said more tests will be taken before doctors determine how to proceed.

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