[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 76 (Thursday, June 16, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         RACE FOR THE CURE 1994

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, the race for the cure for breast cancer is 
on. Two days from now, Washington, DC will host a race that will be 
taking place in cities all across this Nation. In Washington, over 
12,000 people will gather together on Saturday morning, June 18, 1994, 
to run against time and fear and send a message of unity in the battle 
against breast cancer. Marcelle, my wife, and I will join with the many 
grassroots breast cancer advocates in the fifth annual Race for the 
Cure to benefit breast cancer research, detection, and education.
  Unfortunately, every one of us knows someone whose life has been 
touched by this devastating disease. In 1994 alone, 182,000 women will 
be diagnosed with breast cancer and 46,000 women will die of the 
disease. The epidemic proportions of breast cancer will cost the Nation 
over $6 billion in medical costs and an additional $6 billion in lost 
productivity. But this does not begin to describe the tragedy and pain 
faced by the women, their families and friends. While we can never 
bring back those we have lost to the disease, we can renew our 
commitment to ending the terrible toll breast cancer has taken.
  This weekend's race, along with races in many other cities, is a 
result of the hard work and dedication of breast cancer advocates 
around the country. Supporters from my home State will hold their race 
on July 31 in Manchester, VT. I join these advocates in taking their 
message to the American people and to Congress, and I am fighting for 
continued support and increased funding for breast cancer research. 
Congress has taken important steps in this effort, and I want to 
mention one program in particular.
  The Department of Defense breast cancer program, which we started in 
1992, has been a tremendous success. The Army received an overwhelming 
number of innovative breast cancer research proposals, many from 
researchers new to this field. The $210 million appropriated for the 
program only covers a quarter of these projects, leaving many 
worthwhile ideas still to pursue. That is why I am fighting to keep the 
DOD breast cancer program alive. Earlier this year, I wrote a letter to 
Secretary of Defense William Perry urging him to increase funding and 
maintain this important program. I applaud the Army's work and support 
their right to continue this project. I encourage other Senators to 
support this program and join me in doing as much as we can to beat 
this disease.
  The eradication of breast cancer has become a national priority, but 
the fight is far from over. It is through the continued efforts of 
breast cancer advocates from Manchester, VT to San Francisco to 
Washington, DC that we can hope to end the epidemic of breast cancer 
for us and for our children.

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