April 3, 1981
I know I speak for everybody here that we wish the President were standing right here on this
beautiful day. I know that if he were here, he would first express his deep appreciation to the
American Cancer Society, to Dr. Scanlon, who's president, to Mr. Jonas, his chairman, and the
others who do such magnificent work. But today, we here at the White House want to join with
the Cancer Society in presenting to Karen Anderson the 1981 Cancer Courage Award. Karen's
personal courage in overcoming leukemia -- I guess, got it at 18, and now 26 and totally
recovered -- is a great inspiration. And it shows what research has done. It shows what the
Cancer Society has contributed to in such a magnificent way. And we view you, in a sense, as a
symbol of victory. The volunteers and the staff of the Cancer Society, by their hard work and
commitment, show us also what Americans can do when they work together to tackle tough
problems, in this instance, this insidious problem of cancer.
And so, I would simply say good luck on the educational and fundraising activities planned for
Cancer Control Month. My family was hit with leukemia 30 years ago, and I just can't tell you
what this magnificent progress means, personally. And I know I express to you, Karen, our
congratulations, and I know I speak for the President on this one.
Thank you all very much.
Note: The Vice President spoke at 11:30 a.m. at the ceremony in the Rose Garden at the White
House.