Mark Hatfield: “I come to the floor today to pay tribute to a woman who, through her advocacy, changed the face of medical research in…”

“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.”