Senator Ted Kennedy is undergoing bran surgery this morning at Duke University Medical Center in Durham N.C.

Doctors are hoping to remove the malignant glioma tumor in his brain. Unfortunately, in most cases the growth is fatal, even after treatment.

Kennedy released the following statement,

“I am deeply grateful to the people of Massachusetts and to my friends, colleagues and so many others across the country and around the world who have expressed their support and good wishes as I tackle this new and unexpected health challenge. I am humbled by the outpouring and am strengthened by your prayers and kindness. I look forward to returning to the United States Senate and to doing everything I can to help elect Barack Obama as our next president.”

Kennedy expects to remain at the hospital for about a week before heading back to Boston where he will receive chemotherapy and radiation for a period of at least one month.