David Gibson is the owner of Gibson’s Bakery in Oberlin, Ohio which recently won a large verdict in a lawsuit against Oberlin College. Tuesday, Gibson released a video on Facebook in which he revealed that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer late last year. Oberlin college became aware of his diagnosis in February and filed a motion to prevent any mention of it during the trial. Gibson agreed with that motion because he wanted the jury to decide the case based solely on the facts.

Having kept his diagnosis private this long, Gibson says he knew he couldn’t keep it private once the “next round of my treatments” started. So he decided to reveal it to the people who have supported his family. As for Oberlin, he believes the school may draw out the appeal to the point that he may not see the end of it.

“As you know, the jury sent a clear message that the truth still matters in this country,” Gibson said. He continued, “But recent public statements from Oberlin College make it clear that the college is refusing to accept the jury’s decision. The college has stated that the verdict is just the beginning of a long legal process. I believe they’re sending a clear message to me and to my 91-year-old dad that they will just wait us out.

“I’ll do everything I can to make sure I see this through, and even if I’m not able to see the end of this battle, our family is committed to continue serving the Oberlin community, just as we have for the past 134 years.”

Gibson then goes on to thank people who’ve expressed their support, the jurors, the American justice system and everyone who has offered prayers for his family.

Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar released a statement on Gibson’s diagnosis: “Oberlin College wishes Dave Gibson well as he battles pancreatic cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time.”

The college was found to have participated in efforts to defame the bakery and its owners and ordered to pay the bakery $44 million. That amount was reduced but Oberlin was eventually ordered to put up a $36 million bond to cover the remaining $25 million judgment plus $6.5 million in attorney’s fees as it appeals the case.

Here’s the video clip of David Gibson’s statement which was published on the Gibson’s Bakery Facebook page: