Friends of Cancer Research Testify at Senate: Cancer Funding Should be Doubled

Extract

Arnold Palmer and Sam Donaldson are two names that are not automatically associated with cancer research. Yet they and others, including politicians, scientists, doctors, and activists, testified last month before the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education about the importance of cancer research.

The 11 people who testified all had a common goal: doubling U.S. federal funding for cancer research. Golfer Arnold Palmer, four-time winner of the U.S. Master's Tournament, gave a touching and humorous testimony about his diagnosis and struggle with cancer, making references to his beloved sport.

“I have always felt that on the golf course, the key to success is preparation and persistence, plus a little luck. This is as true of cancer as it is of golf. You have in your hands a chance to support more research and more clinical trials that will increase what we know about the disease and save millions of lives. Increased funding for all cancer research is truly the key. If I have brought this [the need for cancer research] to the attention of the American people, I will feel like I helped.”