TRIBUTES

John R. Seffrin

American Cancer Society

August 26, 2009

We are truly saddened by the passing of a giant in the area of health care policy -- our friend, US Senator and recipient of the American Cancer Society's highest award, Medal of Honor and the National Distinguished Advocacy Award, Edward "Ted" Kennedy. Senator Kennedy was a passionate advocate for cancer patients and their families, not just in his home state of Massachusetts, but nationwide.

Truly one of the great champions in this battle to fight cancer, Senator Kennedy has led a passionate effort against this disease during his more than 40 years in the US Senate, championing health care-related causes from equal access to health care to increased funding for cancer research and screening for early detection.

Known as the "Lion of the Senate," Senator Kennedy has fought to bring all the resources of the nation to bear in fighting cancer and other diseases, renewing the war on cancer by introducing a bill to overhaul the 1971 National Cancer Act. Senator Kennedy helped to reign in the tobacco industry with legislation that gives FDA the authority to regulate tobacco products, which was signed into law in June. Senator Kennedy also championed the expansion of the Children's Health Insurance Program with an increase in the tobacco tax.

Senator Kennedy was personally touched by this disease long before his own diagnosis, watching his son, Ted Kennedy, Jr. battle bone cancer as a teen, and daughter Kara Kennedy Allen battle lung cancer in 2003.

We are deeply grateful for Senator Kennedy's commitment and support throughout his long, illustrious career. He will truly be missed. We express our deepest condolences to Ted's wife, Vicki, and the rest of his family.