In his past position as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, Senator Specter staunchly advocated for increased appropriations for biomedical and cancer research. His leadership and collaboration were a driving force for accomplishing the five-year doubling of the budget of the National Institutes of Health that was completed in 2003.
As a cancer survivor, the Senator has brought a powerful voice and remarkable leadership to the fight against this terrible disease. His personal strength in battling cancer while carrying on his critical duties in the United States Senate is a tribute to his courage and dedication to public service. Senator Specter's past advocacy in support of life-saving medical advances, stem cell research, and legislation to strengthen cancer research, prevention, and treatment has truly made a difference in the lives of millions of cancer survivors across the nation.
Senator Specter's commitment to support biomedical research funding has resulted in making Pennsylvania – and the Philadelphia area in particular – home to several of the most advanced and well-respected cancer research and treatment institutions in the country. His impressive recovery from treatment at our local institutions is testimony to the incredible advances in cancer care that have been made possible thanks to continued federal support for cancer research.
The "One World, One Quest" gala will take place on Sunday evening, November 13th, from 6-10 PM, at the National Constitution Center, 6th and Arch Streets, in Philadelphia. All proceeds will benefit the AACR Foundation's Fund for Translational Cancer Research. This Fund will also provide a special research grant to the 2005 local beneficiary--Fox Chase Cancer Center.
Scheduled on the eve of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, this gala will bring physicians and scientists – both from the U.S. and Europe – together with celebrities and philanthropists for an evening dedicated to the fight against cancer. For further information on the gala please visit, www.aacrfoundation.org.
Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research is a professional society of more than 24,000 laboratory, translational, and clinical scientists engaged in all areas of cancer research in the United States and in more than 60 other countries. AACR's mission is to accelerate the prevention and cure of cancer through research, education, communication, and advocacy. Its principal activities include the publication of five major peer-reviewed scientific journals: Cancer Research; Clinical Cancer Research; Molecular Cancer Therapeutics; Molecular Cancer Research; and Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. AACR's Annual Meetings attract nearly 16,000 participants who share new and significant discoveries in the cancer field. Specialty meetings, held throughout the year, focus on the latest developments in all areas of cancer research.