On the same day he was sworn into the state’s parliament in April, new Queensland MP Darren Zanow was diagnosed with an incurable brain disease.
Now, just three months after the devastating news, Zanow has announced the condition has cut short his political career “and likely my life”.
The recently elected Liberal National Party MP said on Friday he would not contest October’s state poll, instead focusing on his family, including seven-year-old daughter.
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Zanow was riding high in March after gaining Labor heartland seat Ipswich West in a by-election following an almost 18 per cent swing to the LNP.
However, the day he was sworn into parliament in April, doctors delivered sobering news.
Zanow had been diagnosed with Microvascular Ischemic Disease, which can lead to early-onset dementia.
“Observed in a person of my age, it is likely to signal that a more rapid onset has begun, and subsequent medical tests have proven this to be true in my case,” Zanow said.
There is no proven treatment available to slow the disease’s debilitating symptoms.
The condition is more common in the elderly.
“Even after the advice was received, my doctors and I went to considerable lengths in pursuit of treatment options,” Zanow said.
“However, I have now had to face the realities of this diagnosis — and it means my time as an MP must end in October.
“Serving this amazing 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.”
Zanow officially told his constituents west of Brisbane “with a heavy heart” on Friday.
“It is not a decision I have made lightly, but the reality is I have been given no other choice,” he said in a statement.
Zanow said the prognosis ensured he had turned his immediate attention to his family including young daughter Lola.
Queensland LNP leader David Crisafulli said while his colleague’s time in office had been cut short, Zanow’s character and generosity of spirit would forever be admired.
“I want to wish Darren and his family all the best as they take on this health battle,” the state opposition leader said.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles also paid tribute.
“In these jobs, we might be on different sides but we’re all human — we all have families,” he told reporters.
“So we’re just really wishing him all the best.
“He is a genuine community leader from Ipswich, genuine about the contribution that he’s sought to make.”