Pictured from left to right: Drs. Arthur Upton, Jacob Furth, James Holland, Joseph Burchenal and Sidney Weinhouse.
We at the AACR feel an incredible personal loss in the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy. A passionate advocate for cancer research, he worked with our past presidents Sidney Weinhouse, Joseph Burchenal, James Holland, Jacob Furth and Arthur Upton to craft the National Cancer Act. Signed by President Nixon in 1971, it gave new power to the National Cancer Institute, elevated its stature within the NIH and initiated a renewed focus on cancer research.
Now the largest institute at the NIH, the NCI is a powerful example of what scientists, advocates, physicians and patients can do when we all work together to promote research and improve patient care. What these groups achieve is due, in large part, to invaluable support from sage legislators like Senator Kennedy.
More recently, Senator Kennedy took up the mantle again, revisiting the issue as our offices worked with his to create the 21st Century Cancer ALERT Act, which establishes provisions to promote translational medicine. Senator Kennedy knew that basic research is the foundation of what we accomplish in the clinic, and his voice in the Senate gave millions of people hope. His vocal support for government funding moved the bar forward in cancer research. It impacted what we are able to achieve today, and what we'll be able to do tomorrow to eradicate cancer.
We know about Senator Kennedy's personal health battles - two of his children are cancer survivors. And when he learned of his own cancer, Kennedy's life's work became all the more poignant. It is his legacy. It is our mission. We at the AACR join with his friends, family and colleagues in offering condolences to those he leaves behind, and renew our own commitment to preserve his legacy.
Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (h.c.)