Political Quotes

“This bill, quite simply, directs the NIH to direct more funds to research, information and education on blood cancer diseases. As my colleagues here on the floor know so well, while less than 5 percent of Federal funds for cancer research are spent on blood cancers, they cause 11 percent of all deaths. One of those deaths was our colleague, Joe Moakley. As many in this Chamber know, I worked for Joe Moakley for many years, from 1982 to 1996. He served not only as my teacher and mentor, but he was also my dear friend, in fact, my best friend. Joe was a guy who, in many respects, represented the miracles of medical research and science. During years I knew him, he survived kidney cancer, a gangrenous gall bladder, prostate cancer, skin cancer, and hepatitis, that ultimately led to a successful liver transplant. Through it all, Joe Moakley emerged with flying colors, stronger and better than ever.”