Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Kennedy Statement

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 27 Aug 2009 - 1:00 PDT


The staff, faculty, trustees, and patients at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are mourning the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

"All of us at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - patients, families, faculty, staff and supporters - are deeply saddened by the passing of Sen. Ted Kennedy," said Edward J. Benz, Jr., MD, president and CEO of Dana-Farber. "He was a friend and ally of Dana-Farber and of everyone touched by cancer. There are countless cancer survivors who are alive today because of the Senator's passionate and tireless efforts to support cancer research, to ensure better access to cancer care, and to promote cancer prevention.

"It is a cruel irony that the Senator's life was taken by cancer. Part of his legacy will surely be an improved outlook for future generations of cancer patients," Benz said.

Sen. Kennedy has long championed the need for additional funding to further cancer research and care. In 1961, Sen. Kennedy and Dr. Sidney Farber, the founder of Dana-Farber, drove across Massachusetts appealing for research funding on behalf of the American Cancer Society. In the nearly five decades since, he has worked tirelessly in the U.S. Senate to ensure that all Americans have access to high quality cancer care in particular and health care in general, according to Benz.

Sen. Kennedy's ties to Dana-Farber and cancer were also personal. In 1973, Dana-Farber doctors successfully treated his son Ted Jr., for a malignant bone tumor, and cancer had affected other family members, as well.

In recognition of his unwavering support of cancer research and care, Dana-Farber presented Sen. Kennedy with the Sidney Farber Medical Research Award in 2000. The award, the highest honor bestowed by Dana-Farber, has been given annually since 1968 to "individuals or groups who have made outstanding contributions to the fight against cancer, either through research or public service."

"Senator Kennedy had long been a warrior for better health care for all Americans, and we have all benefited from his dedication and unrelenting commitment to this ideal," said Benz. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Senator's family."

Source: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

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