Both Eleanor Mondale and Kara Kennedy were 51 and had battled cancer for years. Eleanor was stricken with brain cancer years ago and died of its affects, while Kara had lung cancer and thought she had beaten it, yet it’s reported the heart attack she suffered was related to the surgery and treatment.
I know people die of cancer every day. Not one of us is untouched by it personally, through its affliction on family and/or friends, but it’s still a shock to see so boldly how in the 21st century two women with their lives ahead of them and unique resources still succumb to the scourge.
It is a reminder that we are to take nothing for granted, be grateful for what we have and make the most of every day.
Condolences and prayers to the Kennedy and Mondale families.
Kara Kennedy, Daughter of Edward Kennedy, Is Dead at 51
Kara Kennedy, the daughter of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, died Friday after a workout at a Washington-area health club. She was 51. Her brother Patrick J. Kennedy, a former Rhode Island congressman, told The Associated Press, “She’s with Dad.” […]
In 2002, Ms. Kennedy received a diagnoses of lung cancer, and some of her doctors deemed it inoperable. But she found surgeons who were willing to treat her, and the cancer went into remission.
Patrick Kennedy told The A.P. that he thought his sister’s cancer treatment “took quite a toll on her and weakened her physically.”
She loved to exercise, he said, but “her heart gave out.”
Eleanor Mondale, daughter of former vice president, dies at 51
Eleanor Mondale, the vivacious daughter of former vice president Walter Mondale who carved out her own reputation as an entertainment reporter, radio show host and gossip magnet, died Sept. 17 at her home in Minnesota. She was 51.
“Joan and I must report that our wonderful daughter, Eleanor Mondale Poling, after her long and gutsy battle against cancer, went up to heaven last night to be with her angel,” the former vice president said in a statement e-mailed to friends. “Thank you for all your friendship, you will hear more about plans to celebrate her life soon.”
Mondale had been off the air at WCCO-AM in Minneapolis since March 19, 2009, when she announced that her brain cancer had returned a second time.
Yes, sad. Colossal coincidence.