[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 16 (Wednesday, February 23, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     TRIBUTE TO MARY WOODARD LASKER

  Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to pay tribute 
to a woman who, through her advocacy, changed the face of medical 
research in this country--Mary Woodard Lasker.
  Mary died Monday night--the close of a rich and full life that 
touched thousands. Once deemed the First Lady of Science and Medicine, 
she was known throughout the medical community for her devotion to the 
cause of medical research. Clearly, without her unwavering efforts, the 
consequences for the health of this country would have been 
devastating.
  Mary resolved at a young age to work for the cause of medical 
research in adulthood. When she began her crusade in the 1940's, the 
United States spent only meager sums on cancer research. Today, due in 
large part to Mary's efforts, the budget of the National Cancer 
Institute is well over $2 billion. ``If you think research is 
expensive,'' she argued, ``try disease.'' Through the persistent work 
of Mary, her husband Albert, and sister Alice Fordyce, medical research 
has been recognized as a crucial component of improving human health.
  I have been extremely fortunate to have the benefit of Mary's 
friendship through our work together during the years. Her warmth and 
compassion were evident from the moment one encountered her. With a 
background in art history and a keen business sense, Mary could have 
directed her energies any number of ways. ``I am really interested in 
saving lives,'' she once said, simply. And so many have benefited from 
her choice.
  The selfless spirit of Mary Lasker continues today through the Albert 
Lasker Medical Research Awards, created with her husband and given for 
achievement in basic and clinical medical research. ``Mary's eyes have 
always been able to look farther than they can see,'' commented one 
former Director of the National Cancer Institute. Her vision helped to 
guide a country which has often been slow to follow. We can only extend 
to her our heartfelt gratitude and thanks.
  As many of my colleagues know, I have a longstanding interest in 
medical research because it provides the hope to perpetuate a high 
quality of human life. Next week I will join my colleague, Senator 
Harkin, in introducing legislation to establish a national fund for 
health research. I believe health research should be a key component of 
any health care reform plan and I am hopeful that with the groundwork 
already laid by Mary Lasker and others, this result can be achieved. If 
it does, I will be first in line to pay tribute to Mary Lasker by 
urging that the fund be named the Mary Lasker Fund for Health Research.

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