Rep. Kennedy thanks public for supporting father

[Breeze54]

Rep. Kennedy thanks public for supporting father

http://www.turnto10.com/northeast/jar/news.apx.-content-articles-JAR-2008-05-22-0015.html

VIDEO: http://www.turnto10.com/northeast/jar/ondemand/rss.html

Thursday, May 22, 2008

By Associated Press

WASHINGTON -

Rep. Patrick Kennedy returned to Capitol Hill on Thursday and said he was "overwhelmed by all the support and encouragement" from people for his father, Sen. Edward Kennedy, who was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor this week.

Kennedy, D-R.I., thanked the public, saying the outpouring of good wishes has boosted both his father and family members.

"It has helped lift my spirits to know you are rallying around my father as he gets ready to undertake this challenge," the Rhode Island congressman said in a statement. "Despite the current circumstances, my father's spirits remain high, his laugh loud and his words comforting. Once again, he sets the tone for the fight ahead. I will support him in every possible way."

The congressman returned to Washington after spending the past few days with his 76-year-old father and other family members at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Kennedy said his father plans to fight cancer with the same energy and determination he brought to politics and his job as a senator.

"My father has always been a fighter and I know he will approach this challenge with the same tenacity and determination that defines his character," the congressman said.

Senator Kennedy and his wife, Vicki, returned to their Cape Cod home on Wednesday.

"I recognize that for right now the best thing for him is some rest and relaxation, in the place he loves, with Vicki by his side," Kennedy said. "When the time is right, I will rejoin them in Hyannis and offer him the love and support he needs to confront this latest challenge."

Before issuing his statement, Kennedy offered thanks to people who supported his father during a brief appearance on the House floor.

In his House floor remarks, Kennedy also expressed support for an amendment to a defense bill to provide better mental health coverage for troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

:hug:

[oldtime dfl_er]

1. My father

My dad passed away from a brain tumor a few years ago. Granted, his was in a more accessible place than Kennedy's appears to be, but with good medical attention my father lived almost two years after his diagnosis. With Ted Kennedy's fighting spirit, hopefully he'll be around for awhile.

[Breeze54]

2. I hope so too... I also lost my father 5 yrs ago and it was a quick illness...

at Christmas time, actually the day after Christmas he collapsed and was in the
ICU with Legionnaires Disease. We all were at his side. He passed 10 days later.
I can see a lot of my family's behavior in the Kennedy's, rallying around the patriarch.

[sellitman]

5. This February my 19 year old son had a brain tumor removed successfully.

His was benign but the size of a small orange. He is still having seizures but that is to be expected sais his Doc. He is luckier than your Dad or Senator Kennedy. I'm sorry for your loss and hope your memories of him live on forever. There is no scarier disease known to man.

[Hidden Stillness]

3. I Heard the Floor Statement; Touching

I happened to hear that quick House floor statement from Representative Kennedy this afternoon; it was very moving, and the whole Chamber was silent. Patrick Kennedy, who is usually so animated and enthused as a speaker, was very subdued, gentle, and seemed a little afraid, because of all the recent events, understandable. It was a thank-you, and saying a hopeful message that things are okay for now. People did not applaud after, by the way; I wondered if visitors in the gallery might. Patrick Kennedy, of course, is one of the best on mental health and substance abuse issues. We all still pray, and hope.

[Breeze54]

4. Thanks for relating that personal experience....

... very touching, indeed.

:thumbsup: as Sen. Kennedy always does!