ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) — A state lawmaker from Aberdeen will miss parts of this year's legislative session due to his son's illness.

State Republican Rep. Dan Kaiser's 5-year-old son, Jaxon, was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this month. While the 2016 session is getting underway in Pierre this week, Dan Kaiser is in Sioux Falls with his son and wife, Laura.

Kaiser tells the American News he'll follow what's happening in Pierre via the Internet and attend the session as circumstances allow.

Kaiser says he and his wife are focusing on their son and family, but he'll still be able to read up on bills and cast informed votes when he's able to make it to Pierre.

Kaiser says the type of leukemia his son has is treatable, and Jaxon is in good spirits.

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