The Patriarch of the Kennedy Clan Faces His Toughest Challenge

I am a Bostonian. I realize that many who aren't from this city also love the Kennedy family. I also realize that many people do not. Whatever the case the first family of Boston has had more than their share of tragedies. I haven't done a scientific survey but I would put money on the fact that their tragedies outweigh most.

The latest tragedy is the news that Senator Edward M. Kennedy has a malignant brain tumor. The 76- year old Senator was born in Boston and calls Hyannis Port (Cape Cod) his home. Senator Kennedy (many of us think of him as Ted) attended Harvard University and went on to get a law degree from the University of Virginia. He has served our country since 1961 when he was an Assistant District Attorney. He has been Massachusetts' State Senator since 1962.

Time in association with CNN reported that after a seizure Senator Kennedy underwent tests at the prestigious Massachusetts General Hospital. A biopsy of a growth showed a malignant glioma. This is the most comment type of brain tumor. Doctors said that Kennedy's progress depends on many factors - most important is the type of glioma this is. "Decisions regarding the best course of treatment for Senator Kennedy will be determined after further testing analysis," the senator's doctors said Tuesday in a statement. "He remains in good spirits and full of energy." This was reported by Alice Park in an article called Kennedy's Brain Cancer: How Bad?

In an article called Ted Kennedy has Cancerous Brain Tumor by Glen Johnson on Yahoo.com Senator John Kerry from Massachusetts was quoted as saying, "The Kennedy family have faced adversity more times in more instances with more courage and more determination and more grace than most families have to," Talking about Senator Kennedy, Kerry went on to say, "Every one of us knows what a big heart this fellow has. He's helped millions and millions of people - from the biggest of legislation on the floor to the most personal."

Ted Kennedy's Life