For whatever anyone’s opinion of Senator Edward Kennedy, his is unquestionably a life for the ages—one of incomparable service to country and family and a champion of humanity. Today and for decades before he has put complete effort into health care reform. Demonstrated in his choice of leadership on the Senate Committee for Health, Education, Labor and Pensions over the prestige he might otherwise have achieved by serving on committees such as the Foreign Affairs or Armed Services.

From Senators Orin Hatch of Utah and John McCain of Arizona to his Democratic colleagues in the Senate to Vice President Biden and President Obama, he captured the ultimate respect of all with whom he worked on what has become commonly referred to as either side of the aisle. His efforts toward consensus never wavered. For that he was admired and adored.

Ted Kennedy battled against apartheid in South Africa and peace in Northern Ireland to focused health programs for pregnant women, women’s rights and community health care centers in America. He was unstoppable and he never shied away from issues of national and international concern. It was through relationship building, compromise and a desire to do the right thing that Kennedy made a difference.

In his speech to the 1980 Democratic National Convention he eloquently said, “let us resolve that the state of a family’s health shall never depend on the size of a family’s wealth.” From a time long before that speech to only a few weeks before his death, he stood and he fought for what he perceived as a right, not a privilege, of health care for everyone in these United States.

It’s the rare individual who cares with undying passion about the causes he or she believes in then fights for but does not demonize those who take a different stand. Kennedy brought tolerance of varied belief systems to a new level. May we all attempt to rise to his example, aspire to a public life well led, a passion to correct the ills of society and a commitment to work for the greater good of all mankind. May Senator Edward Kennedy’s legacy drive home health reform for which he so valiantly fought until the end and may we look to serve beyond ourselves that all may benefit equally and fairly.

Note: YOU MAY USE THIS ARTICLE AS LONG AS YOU INCLUDE THIS…LouAnn Savage is President of Health Fit for Life. She publishes and writes for www.KangenWaterBlog.com where you can sign-up for 'The Weekly Healthline' and be notified of new health and wellness programs and events. Follow her at 'kangenwater' on twitter and Facebook.