Mdealing with tenant with cancer and unpaid rent what would you do

Hi everyone, I am a PM and I am in a situation I have never dealt with before.

Rent was due April 5th and the tenant never paid or communicated. I sent notices and posted a 7 day notice last week based on our lease and state requirements. I still did not hear anything back.

Today I decided to text just to try to get a response. He replied saying he is doing the best he can but is not working right now because shortly after signing the lease he found out he has cancer and is currently going through chemo. He said he is trying to get caught up on rent.

I have not responded yet because I do not want to say the wrong thing. This is clearly a very sensitive situation but I also need to follow the lease and protect the owner.

What would you do in this situation?
How would you respond in a professional but compassionate way?
Do I continue the eviction process or pause?
Are there fair housing concerns with a medical condition like this?
Would you offer a payment plan or keep everything strictly by the lease?

I just started in property management last month so I want to handle this correctly both legally and ethically.

Any advice is appreciated!!!!!