Patrick Kennedy's New Life

Life after politics goes on for Patrick Kennedy. The former Congressman from Rhode Island and the son of the late Senator Ted Kennedy (Dem. Massachusetts) is enjoying a happier, more peaceful life since he decided not to run again for Congress last year.

Patrick Kennedy after a difficult time, which included losing his father and dealing with personal problems, had decided not to seek a 9^th term as Representative from Rhode Island in 2010.

This was the first time since 1947 that there was no Kennedy serving in Congress. Patrick, 43, is the nephew of former President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert Kennedy and the son of iconic Senator Ted Kennedy. Patrick had held the office since the age of 21.

Patrick grew up in the high-pressure public service arena in the public spotlight. For years, the Kennedy family was America's royal family. Along with their tremendous wealth glamour and service, the family suffered horrendous tragedies including the assassination of his two uncles.

Patrick has faced his own personal demons. Both his parents battled alcohol related scandal and problems. His mother Joan suffered well publicized relapses from her own battle with alcohol.

He has battled bipolar depression, and alcohol and drug addiction throughout most of his adult life. He wants to reverse the stigma of mental illness which he felt he could never discuss with his family. As a congressman Kennedy emphasized healthcare issues especially mental health.

He is now completing a book titled Coming Clean which includes a revealing, intimate portrait of growing up a Kennedy, and his efforts to de-stigmatize mental illness. He hopes coming clean about his experiences, will help the millions who suffer from similar addictions.

Kennedy is co-writing his book with Mary Ann Akers, a former gossip columnist with the Washington Post and Roll Call. It will be published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and released in November.

He has also been named visiting fellow at Brown University neuroscience institute. His two-year appointment at the Institute for Brain Science will begin this fall. As a visiting fellow he hopes to advocate for research in treating U.S. soldiers, veterans and others suffering from brain injuries and disorders. He will give two lectures a year.

There is happy news in Kennedy's personal life. The life long bachelor is engaged to marry Amy Petitgout, a sixth grade New Jersey middle school teacher. The couple is living together in a house Kennedy purchased in Brigantine, New Jersey, on the Jersey coast, just north of Atlantic City.

Ms. Petitgout, who has a 3 year old daughter, Harper from a previous marriage, said in a written statement, "Patrick values me, giving me friendship and love. He has become part of my family and loves my daughter as his own."

Sources:

http://mobile.nj.com/advnj/db_96600/contentdetail.htm:jsessionid=C2F1A1AF5F...

http://www.hmhco/news/20101005_news_release.html

http://www2.turnto10com/member-center/sare-thisprint/?content=ar425597