Kennedy Aides Deny Cirrhosis Report
NewsMax.com Wires
Saturday, Aug. 18, 2001
BOSTON - Aides and friends to Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., are denying a tabloid newspaper report he is dying of cirrhosis of the liver.
Kennedy spokesman Jim Manley said in Friday's Boston Herald, "There's absolutely no truth" to the report, published Friday in the National Enquirer.
The supermarket tabloid said the last surviving brother of former President John Kennedy "has been fighting to stave off the disease, but his condition is far more advanced and serious than he's told family and friends."
In its front-page story, the Enquirer said the senator had "an advanced case of cirrhosis of the liver … a death sentence."
The Enquirer said the liver damage was due to years of heavy drinking.
An unidentified friend of the senator told the Herald: "He doesn't have cirrhosis. He's in great shape. I see him all the time. He's sailing, he's working hard, he's never looked better."
The Herald quoted other sources as noting how busy the senator has been, keeping a full schedule until the Senate recessed.
One source pointed out that Kennedy "doesn't have any jaundice, which you wouldn't be able to hide if you had advanced cirrhosis."
Kennedy was not immediately available to respond personally to the report. He was said to be vacationing in Hyannisport, Mass.
Copyright 2001 by United Press International.
All rights reserved.
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