Kennedy's wife in the House for healthcare

WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Survivors of catastrophic illnesses and small-business owners were guests of first lady Michelle Obama when her husband addressed Congress Wednesday.

Also seated with Obama and Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, was Victoria Kennedy, wife of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, who championed affordable and accessible healthcare during his nearly 50 years in the Senate. Kennedy died Aug. 25 after battling brain cancer for more than a year.

Several of the people invited to sit with Obama shared their stories during town hall meetings across the country conducted by President Barack Obama, the guest list released by the White House indicated. The list also included healthcare workers and providers, volunteer workers and community organizers who specialize in health issues.