Jokes Mix With Well Wishes For Menino At St. Patrick's Breakfast

BOSTON (CBS) – Former Mayor Thomas Menino's cancer diagnosis was at the center of the annual St. Patrick's Day breakfast in South Boston, which host Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry dedicated in his honor.

"Many of us woke up today and our hearts were heavy upon learning of the Mayor's illness, but you know what that's not what Tom Menino wants," she said. "He doesn't want to turn on the TV and see our long faces."

In that spirit the jokefest continued, including a humorous video spot that featured Menino along with Gov. Deval Patrick.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports

Despite the laughs, Menino was clearly on the minds of those in attendance, including the governor, who knew about the former mayor's diagnosis when they taped their routine.

"You can tell from his voice that he is as determined as always," Patrick said. "He's doing just as his doctors instruct. He means to be it. Our prayers are with him."

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports

Boston's current mayor, Marty Walsh, spoke to Menino Saturday night.

"He said to me, 'I've beaten this once' and I said, 'Absolutely you have, just continue to fight,'" Walsh said. "It's sad, but you know something, we can't be sad. Mayor Menino's not sad. He is in great spirits and we've got to support him and be with him in this fight."

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Mary Blake reports

    Several politicians voiced their support of Menino Sunday morning, during the annual St. Patrick's Day breakfast in South Boston.   Menino was admitted to the hospital several times while in office.

The mayor has had many battles before, both political and personal, Boston City Councilor Michael Flaherty told us today Menino should face the advanced cancer diagnosis with the same mettle he faced every election with. Michael Rosenfield WBZ News.

Share your thoughts: Send a message to former Boston Mayor Tom Menino as he battles cancer.

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