Congressman Jamie Raskin became known for wearing bandanas and scarves as headwear while undergoing cancer treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. He credited musician Stevie Van Zandt of the E Street Band for inspiring his bandana style, and Van Zandt later gifted him one of his signature bandanas as a "step up" in his chemo head-cover fashion. Raskin wore these head coverings publicly during treatment and received wide support, including a collection of bandanas from constituents and a collage made from them by an artist. As of August 2025, Raskin announced that he is cancer-free and continues to embrace bandanas as part of his identity.
In summary, Jamie Raskin's scarf or bandana became a visible symbol of his cancer battle and resilience, linked closely to the encouragement and style of Stevie Van Zandt.