By Tom Weber, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – KWMU has learned former Missouri Lieutenant Governor Harriett Woods has acute leukemia, and is recovering in a St. Louis hospital.
Her family says she was diagnosed with the disease last month in New York, where's she been teaching at two colleges.
Woods, 78, was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1984, making her the first woman to win a statewide office in Missouri history. She also ran twice for U.S. Senate in the 1980s.
Woods is also a commentator for KWMU.
Family members say she's gaining strength and looking to a full recovery.