Push To Reform Health Care Was Major Concern For Senator
August 26, 2009 - Sen. Ted Kennedy died shortly before midnight Tuesday at his home in Hyannis Port, Mass., at
age 77.
The man known as the "liberal lion of the Senate" had fought a more than year-long battle with
brain cancer, and according to his son had lived longer with the disease than his doctors expected him to.
"We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration
of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever," the Kennedy family said in a statement. "He
loved this country and devoted his life to serving it."
Sen. Edward Moore Kennedy, the youngest Kennedy brother who was left to head the family's political
dynasty after his brothers President John F. Kennedy and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated.
Kennedy championed health care reform, working wages and equal rights in his storied career. In
August, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom - the nation's highest civilian honor - by President Obama. His daughter,
Kara Kennedy, accepted the award on his behalf.
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, known as Ted or Teddy, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in May
2008 and underwent a successful brain surgery soon after that. But his health continued to deteriorate, and Kennedy suffered
a seizure while attending the luncheon following President Barack Obama's inauguration.
For Kennedy, first elected to the Senate in 1962, at the age of 30 where his tenure there
would span four decades, cited the ascension of Obama to the presidency as an important step toward realizing his goal
of health care reform.
At the Democratic National Convention in August 2008, the Massachusetts Democrat promised, "I pledge
to you that I will be there next January on the floor of the United States Senate when we begin the great test."
Sen. Kennedy made good on that pledge, but ultimately lost his battle with cancer.
Senator Kennedy at the 2008 Democractic Convention
President Obama issued the following statement on the passing of his dear friend:
"Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.
For
five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the
American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.
I valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where,
regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous
support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've profited
as President from his encouragement and wisdom.
An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country
has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our
time.
And the Kennedy family has lost their patriarch, a tower of strength and support through good times and bad.
Our
hearts and prayers go out to them today--to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren
and his extended family."
The president is expected to make a formal address this a.m. from Blue Heron Farm near Martha's Vineyard where he and his family are vacationing.
