Sen. Kennedy Hospitalized After Suffering Seizure
Story Updated 10:32:AM Sunday, May 18, 2008
– Allison Goldsberry
US Senator Edward Kennedy has been hospitalized in Boston after suffering a stroke at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis early Saturday morning.
In a released statement Kennedy’s office said the following:
“It appears that Senator Kennedy experienced a seizure this morning. He is undergoing a battery of tests at Massachusetts General Hospital to determine the cause of the seizure. Senator Kennedy is resting comfortably, and it is unlikely we will know anything more for the next 48 hours.”
Sen. Kennedy’s personal family physician, Dr. Larry Ronan, released the following statement Saturday night:
“Senator Kennedy was admitted to Massachusetts General today after experiencing a seizure at his home. Preliminary tests have determined that he has not suffered a stroke and is not in any immediate danger. He’s resting comfortably and watching the Red Sox game with his family. Over the next couple of days, Senator Kennedy will undergo further evaluation to determine the cause of the seizure, and a course of treatment will be determined at that time.”
US Senator John Kerry, a long-time Kennedy friend and his colleague in the Senate, spent some time at the hospital Saturday with Kennedy and his family. He released the following statement:
“Ted Kennedy is beloved and respected on both sides of the aisle in the Senate in which he’s been a giant for close to half a century, a legend in Massachusetts, and a dear friend to me and Teresa. He’s also been a fighter who has overcome adversity again and again with courage, grit, and determination. Teresa and I are praying for Teddy, Vicki and all of his family and we know that everyone in Massachusetts and people throughout the nation pray for a full and speedy recovery for a man whose life’s work has touched millions upon millions of lives.”
Mayor Michael McGlynn, a personal friend of the Senator, made the following statement:
“Senator Ted Kennedy is a great friend to Medford and a great leader to this country. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Sheila and I wish the Senator a speedy recovery.”
US Representative Edward Markey, both a friend and colleague of Sen. Kennedy, also released a statement wishing the senator well.
“Ted Kennedy is the greatest Senator in the history of the United States. My wife Susan and I look forward to seeing him soon after a quick recuperation.”
Sen. Kennedy was first elected to the US Senate in 1962 to serve out his brother John’s term after he was elected president. Sen. Kennedy, 76, has been elected to seven full terms since then and is the second most senior member of the Senate.
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