Senator Edward Kennedy

[ppearl214]

I awoke to the news this morning that Massachusetts, the US and the world lost the beloved Sen Ted Kennedy.  As many know, he waged... and lost his battle with malignant glioma (brain tumor).

Although we are patients of a different type of brain tumor (benign), we all watched his battle as he forged forward with extreme mental strength and courage that I could only hope I have.

Whether you agreed with his politics or not, he truly was a "man of the people".  Many here on the forums watched and witnessed our own personal battle over 2 years ago, knowing  that through the Senator's assistance, my husband was able to join me here in the States from the UK, as we waged our own war with US Homeland Security and Immigration.  It was through Sen Kennedy's efforts (and unfortunately, due to my many medical ailments) that my husband was able to finally join me here in the States after we were married.

Upon learning of his diagnosis last year, we sent him an email, sending our wellness wishes and prayers to him.... and was fortunate enough to receive a response back, thanking us for our wishes.  He truly touched us in more ways that people can understand.

As I sit here, teary-eyed, hearing the news of his passing, as someone he personally touched and helped to make my world a better place and as a constituent, I offer my prayers and wishes to his family.... and share our appreciation for all he has done for us.

His unwavering courage he demonstrated as he faced his illness is a lesson for us all.... to persevere in our physical challenges, to challenge the AN that insists on existing within, to face head on what may lay ahead for us in this AN journey...... and to stand strong when life insists on trying to beat us down.

I am so very deeply saddened by this loss..... but I know that my world is a much better place because of him.

May he rest in peace, knowing what joy he has brought to so many lives that he touched... including my own.

Phyl

[saralynn143]

I remember that last summer, Senator Kennedy and I had brain surgery on the same day, a Monday. The following weekend I remember thinking it was patently unfair that he, a man older than my father, had already recovered enough to go sailing, while I was still struggling with the basics of eating, drinking and walking about!

I had not been aware that he was failing recently. Phyl, I'm glad he affected your life in such a positive way.

Sara

[grega]

Hey Phyl .... thanks for the nice thoughts!  My bro-in-law passed much quicker from the same type tumor in 2008, so I realize how horrible that can be for a person and family supporters.

I look forward to seeing retrospectives from all sides on Kennedy's life .... of which I know there will be many. 

Greg

[nteeman]

Amen!

Neal

[CHD63]

Phyl ....

Thanks for starting this thread.  I can only guess that there are many of us who followed his illness with a special empathetical regard.  He was a brave man (among many other things)!

My husband's sister died at age 52 from a malignant brain tumor so we have a special feeling toward brain tumor patients.

Ted Kennedy will be sadly missed for his influence in the Senate.  My prayers go out to his family.

Clarice

[epc1970]

I was diagnosed the same week the Sen  Kennedy was and had surgery the same day  he did-I remember watching the news about it when I was in pre-op. I have watched his progress ever since and am saddended by his passing. Thank you for recognizing  this event here-no one else seems to realize why this has had such an effect on me today-no one but you folks  here that is.
Erin

[4cm in Pacific Northwest]

HUGGLES to you Pearly Whites.
 

I know this man was very dear to your heart. Remember all that he has done for you, your husband and others.

He will want you to keep paying it forward (as you already do with your time and efforts volunteered to the ANA here) …

Know that by being our award winning moderator we acknowledge that you are SOOH giving to others too… as Ted was volunteering many hours to try and change healthcare for those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged- in the commercial health care system.

Being a patient in both a socialized healthcare country and here in the USA’s commercial healthcare- I have to tell you there are pros and cons to both systems. Not one person will devise the “perfect” system… but collaboratively there can be efforts made to achieve this- in a country that gives rights to us- for free speech… and other rights citizen of other countries do NOT have (The key is to use those granted rights wisely and not take those for granted as too many people often do.)

There are good reasons that this is THE most active acoustic neuroma discussion forum in the WORLD and others from as far off places, yes even Singapore, - come here to be heard.

For example

http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=9187.msg102419#msg102419

That is an example of how two 1 in 100,000-chance people come to this American forum to meet up with each other.

Pearly Whites      you are a senator in your own right, as you remain a diplomatic moderator allowing people to exercise free speech with the ultimate goal of improving wellness and recovery of us patients.

Know that your work here is VERY important. Keep a photo of Teddy next to your moderator key-pad (and heart)… and know that your work is AS important as his was. Take the time to grieve but also the time to take in his spirit, he imparted to you, into your own work.

Ted was “called” to his cause in healthcare reform- as you were “called” to moderate and keep the free speech of others- flowing.

Giving you a big gianormous Canadian Mother Bear Hug- and handing you a bar of Cadbury’s for some comfort food.

DHM

[Jim Scott]

Phyl ~

Although I was never an admirer of Senator Ted Kennedy, like most people, I was saddened to learn of his brain cancer diagnosis last year.  My brother-in-law died from the exact same cancer a few years ago and it was a very unpleasant death.  With this background, I wasn't shocked to hear the news that the senator had died at age 77 as a result of the brain cancer.  Like most Americans, I can put partisan politics and the animus that often creates aside this day to acknowledge the grief that Ted Kennedy's passing has brought to millions of people, both here and abroad, as well as to his large, extended family.  I wish them - and everyone who felt connected to Senator Kennedy, including you, Phyl - solace in the knowledge that he lived a very full, long life and certainly affected many people both personally and with his political achievements.  Ted Kennedy will be long remembered and his passing will clearly not go unnoticed.  I wish his family peace and God's mercy as they deal with their tremendous loss.  I also wish for comfort for those who only knew the Senator from afar but admired him and are deeply saddened by his passing.  May they also find peace.

I have to concur with DHM that your work here is a fine example of 'paying it forward' and is most appreciated by many folks you'll never meet.  I think Senaror Kennedy would approve.  

Jim    

[Captain Deb]

Phyll,

Thanks for starting this thread to acknowledge Senator Kennedy's life of helping others.  He was truly a remarkable man from a remarkable family both of which were dedicated to positive social change.  I'm so glad he was able to help you get your cheeky bloke over here.

I lost my favorite cousin, who was a minister and married Dr Love and me, to brain cancer the same year I had my surgery so I know how hard this is for his family and his nation-wide community.  Sending prayers out for all who benefitted from his long and productive life.

Hugs,

Capt Deb

[leapyrtwins]

I was never a fan, but I know others on the Forum were, therefore his passing saddens me.

It also hits home how truly fortunate we all were to be diagnosed with a benign brain tumor - it could have so easily been the opposite for any one of us.

Makes me realize how very blessed we all are.

Jan

[Tumbleweed]

I can't say it any more eloquently than DHM, so I'll just concur and add my thanks to Phyl for all her hard work and dedication to this forum.  Phyl, you have affected many lives for the better.

Jan's thoughts are also my own. I reflected last night that I was diagnosed half a year earlier than Ted Kennedy, yet I am thriving because my brain tumors are both benign (and because of the wonderful care and expertise of my doctors at Stanford). I once felt cursed (when I was first diagnosed). I now feel lucky.

Whatever you may feel about Ted Kennedy's politics, he was a man of tremendous integrity who fought to bring universal health care to the disadvantaged. We are all vulnerable to losing our health insurance, whether by losing our job and the ability to pay ever-increasing premiums, or because our treatments eventually exceed our lifetime maximum benefits, or for any number of other reasons. Rationing (by insurance companies) is happening now. Let's hope Congress can get its act together, stop the grandstanding and finger pointing, and craft a compromise to bring universal health care to us all.

TW

[texsooner]

I was also not a fan of Mr. Kennedy's politics, but I did admire him for his passion and you always knew where he stood on issues. My father passed away in his early 60's from the exact type of malignant brain tumor that Mr. Kennedy had, so I know all too well what the last year or so has been like for him and his family....prayers go out to his family during this time.

With the history of my father, I was also very relieved to find out that my tumor was benign. I realize how fortunate I am for my outcome and I'm very grateful.   

Patrick

[ppearl214]

oh, my DHM (and all), thank you for the kind words!  Truly! Means a lot and truly not necessary!     

Local (Boston) tv coverage for the past few days has been rathering interesting of non-stop Kennedy's coverage from this point onward.  Interesting now about State house debate as to whether or not to change the law to allow Gov to appoint interim replacement until special election, which in itself, should be interesting since Kennedy and Kerry have both held their roles as senator for 20+ years.  welcome to Massachusetts politiks.

Many people here in my town also feeling the affects of this loss as noted in local paper. Kennedy has spent a bit of time here in our small community and many stepping up to note their thanks for what he has done. 

Thanks again all!
Phyl

[CHD63]

This is another case of being able to separate a man's personal life from what he has accomplished for others!  Ted Kennedy (and his influence) will be greatly missed.

and Phyl ...... want to add my appreciation for all you do, not only on this Forum, but for many others.  In the face of all of your own physical issues, you constantly reach out to help others.  Thank you for being who you are!

Clarice

[leapyrtwins]

and Phyl ...... want to add my appreciation for all you do, not only on this Forum, but for many others.  In the face of all of your own physical issues, you constantly reach out to help others.  Thank you for being who you are!

Count me in on this, too