Clinton Family Statement

NEW YORK – Former President Clinton (search), Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (search) and their daughter Chelsea issued the following statement on the Clinton Foundation (search) Web site:

We feel so blessed and grateful for the thousands of prayers and messages of good will we have received these past few days. Your cards, letters, e-mails and calls have moved and encouraged us immensely.

We are also thankful for the excellent care provided by the doctors, nurses and the staff of the New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center. And we are fortunate to have great health care coverage and continue to hope for the day when every American will enjoy this basic right.

While bypass surgery certainly isn't something to look forward to, we are very lucky that the condition was detected in time to have this procedure before something more serious occurred. It is a reminder that, while diet and exercise are important, nothing substitutes for regular checkups and talking to your doctor whenever you have questions about any serious pains or discomfort you are experiencing. We hope you will also take time to follow the links on this web site for more information about heart disease -- what it is, how it is treated, and how to prevent it.

This sure isn't how we planned to spend Labor Day weekend 2004, but we're doing our best to enjoy it, and hope that you and your family have a safe and happy weekend. And don't forget to take some time on Monday to honor America's working men and women, for whom this holiday was created.

Say a prayer, too, for the people of Florida, who are suffering through the effects of yet another hurricane, and for the people of Russia, who have experienced so much tragic loss in recent days. Reminders of the preciousness of life are all around us, and teach us to treasure each day and value one another all the more.

Please feel free to keep an eye on this Web site for updates during the week.

God bless you all.