May 20, 2008 Kerry: We're pulling for our pal Play video

(NECN: Boston, Mass.) - Massachusetts Senator John Kerry reacted Tuesday after receiving word that his friend and fellow Senator, Ted Kennedy, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.

"Every one of us knows what a big heart this fellow has. He's helped millions of millions of people in so many ways, in so many different times," said Kerry.

"Remember that this guy is one unbelievable fighter," said the Democratic Senator. "Remember that even as this man, who's a living legend, is going through this, we all need to try to give the family privacy," said Kerry.

Doctors for the Massachusetts Democrat say preliminary biopsy results show a malignant glioma in the left parietal-lobe.

It was detected after the 76-year-old was airlifted to Boston on Saturday after having a seizure at his Cape Cod home.

Links to resources on gliomas:

Wikipedia entry on gliomas

Mayo Clinic information on gliomas

Mass General Hospital Cancer Center information on adult cancers

National Institutes of Health on brain cancers

Full Kerry statement:

"Ted Kennedy and the Kennedy family have faced adversity more times, in more instances,

with more courage and more determination and more grace than any family should ever have to face even just once.

"He's helped millions and millions of people, in so many ways, at so many different times, from countless big pieces of legislation in Washington to the most personal of issues.

"Now, everybody needs to pull together on behalf of Ted. We must pull for him and his family and remember that Teddy is one unbelievable fighter.

"Over the weekend, I saw him and he's in a fighting mood, and I'm confident that he will continue to draw strength from his tower of strength in Vicki, from each of his children and grandchildren, and from his unbelievably loving and caring family, both in Boston and from his extended family of Americans and people all over the world.

"I know that Ted is determined to fight this because he wants to continue his fight for the people of Massachusetts and he wants to continue to fight for everything that he believes in here in the United States Senate and throughout our country.

"Teresa's and my prayers - and the prayers of a nation - are with my good friend and his family in these most trying of times."