The news broke that Sen. Bernie Sanders will be suspending his campaign. The selfless leader explained that there is no feasible path towards victory with the current delegate count during a live stream of his suspension speech. But that isn’t what’s important to him: “As I see the crisis gripping the nation exacerbated by a president unwilling or unable to provide any kind of credible leadership and the work that needs to be done to protect people in this most desperate hour, I cannot in good conscience continue to mount a campaign that cannot win… it would interfere with the important work required of all of us in this difficult hour,” Sen. Sanders said.

During this pandemic, Sanders has completely moved the focus of his campaign. He and his campaign have raised over $2 million in coronavirus relief funds and have dedicated hours to organizing virtual town halls and meetings with surrogates and supporters.

Feelings of devastation have been flooding the minds and hearts of supporters and staff, but the senator is still pushing the message of progressive togetherness. Sanders was more than a presidential candidate: he was our hope for a better future. He has been examining and outlining the faults in our government and society while simultaneously presenting improvements and options for a more people-centered nation.

Sanders has been fighting the good fight of justice, equity and equality for many decades now. His once “radical” ideas are now shared by so many people and politicians in this country. He has continuously stood up against corporate greed, corruption and nefarious political practices. Sanders is a man of compassion, sincerity and perseverance.

To Sanders, I say thank you. Thank you for providing the hopeless with hope. Thank you for loudly standing up for communities whose voices fell upon deaf ears. Thank you for keeping your morals consistent and wholeheartedly believing in the working people of this nation. Thank you for reminding us that not all politicians are rapacious crooks. Thank you for sharing your bravery and love. Thank you for restoring faith in the strength of our movement, regardless of winning or losing. Thank you for reminding us that this is a battle worth fighting.

We will continue to resist. We will still stand in solidarity with the working class, minorities, immigrants, the disabled, veterans. We will still demand that our voices are heard. We will make sure that no one is left behind and that we can make livable wages, have healthcare as a human right and provide access to education for all. We will continue to call out the corruption of our leaders and insist that corporations and billionaires pay their fair share. We will still fight for someone we don’t know.

Sanders’ campaign slogan “Not me, us” serves as a reminder of what his campaign was and what his work will continue to be. Thank you, Bernie Sanders.