Rep: Ed McMahon is still fighting

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LOS ANGELES, March 2 (UPI) -- Ed McMahon's publicist said the ailing U.S. television personality is "still fighting the good fight."

TMZ said the former "Tonight Show" sidekick and "Star Search" host remains hospitalized in an Intensive Care Unit where he is being treated for pneumonia, bone cancer and other medical problems.

"I'm not a medical doctor, I'm a spin doctor, so I'm not able to give a diagnosis here," McMahon's publicist, Howard Bragman, said in a statement issued to TMZ.

"But, what I can tell you is this: I've seen many people come up to Ed over the years and say, 'You were a Marine.' Ed would look them in the eye and say, 'I am a Marine.' What that means for his current medical challenges is the same thing it's meant for every challenge he's ever faced in life," Bragman said. "It means he's a fighter -- not a quitter. It means he's confronting it head-on with strength, courage and dignity. I would ask that those who care about Ed say a prayer, remain hopeful and send their good wishes, because Colonel McMahon is still fighting the good fight. Ed, his family, and friends are looking forward to celebrating his 86th birthday Friday."