Remarks at the
Presentation Ceremony for the American Cancer Society Courage Awards
The President. In my years at the
White House, I've had the privilege of meeting with many extraordinary people
-- political leaders, both national and international, men and women who've
performed heroic deeds, astronauts, sports champions, all kinds of
distinguished achievers. These are all people who've made their mark on the
world, and meeting them is one of the nicest parts about being President. But I
can't imagine a group of individuals that is more representative of the finest in
our country than you who have been chosen to receive the American Cancer
Society Courage Awards. I've been given information about all of you -- where
you come from, your ages, occupations, the kind of
cancer that you have experienced. You're not only a cross section of the
American people, you are living proof that the quality
of courage is universal.
There's
a terrible fear that comes when you're told that you have cancer, a fear that
is the same whether you are 8 or 80. But that fear was not the end for you, but
a challenge. And that's where that courage begins. First you accept the
challenge to fight cancer in any way you can. And for all of you here today,
your battle with cancer has become more than a personal battle. That is because
you've all made conscious decisions to help others who have cancer. Many of you
are active volunteers for the American Cancer Society. Some are officers in
their units or divisions. Some have written books or worked on instructive
videotapes. You've all used your experiences with cancer to help others come to
terms with cancer in their lives.
Nancy
and I faced that same decision ourselves. We made a conscious decision that it
was important to ``go public'' with the fact that -- in both her case and mine
-- good medical supervision, early detection, and prompt treatment were the
keys to victory over cancer. People need to know that cancer isn't something to
run and hide from. Cancer is a fact that must be faced and dealt with. You have
all done that, and with extraordinary courage.
Here
are just a few examples. After an operation on her tongue, Marcia Williams
Kling took speech therapy and within 4 months was back
entertaining preschoolers on her own television program. Connie Haines also
beat cancer and continues to entertain the public. After two operations and 3
years of chemotherapy, Connie is back and as melodious as ever.
I
was interested in discovering that members of this group not only have shown
courage in a difficult time but truly achieved triumphant victories over the
physical aftereffects of cancer. Just look at how the members of this group
spend their spare time: camping, motorcycling, swimming, and running. In spite
of an amputated leg, one Courage Award winner is a silver medalist in
three-track snow skiing at the Special Winter Games. Others have enrolled in a
wilderness survival program or else used their excess energy in engaging in
ballet, gymnastics, soccer, or judo.
Another
one of the Courage Award winners is a remarkable young man. And when I say
young, I mean young. He was 6 when they found he had cancer in his body. They
didn't give him much chance to survive. But Jason Gaes
did. Here's what he has to say: ``The reason I wanted
to write a book about having cancer is because in every book I read about kids
with cancer they always die. I want to tell you kids don't always die. If you
get cancer, don't be scared, 'cause lots of people get over having cancer and
grow up without dying, like Mike Nelson and Doug Cerny
and Vince Varpness and President Reagan and me.''
[Laughter] Those are the words I'm reading from his book.
Well,
it's an honor being in Jason's book, but every one of the American Cancer
Society Courage Award winners is very special. You're here to be recognized for
your courage and for your zest for life, and I'm proud to salute you all today.
And
I'm proud to present to you, Jill Ireland, the 1988 Cancer Courage Award. Jill
and Charlie [Bronson], your courageous battle against cancer is an inspiration
to others. In the acknowledgement to your book, ``Life Wish,'' you write that
upon being told about the cancer you would have loved to talk to someone who
had had the disease. Well, by sharing your story, the fears and the triumphs,
you've become a companion for the many others going through the isolation of
catastrophic illness. And for that, I thank you. And on behalf of the many
whose lives you've touched, it is my honor to present to you this award.
Ms.
Mr.
Eyre. Mrs. Reagan, we owe you a special debt of gratitude for speaking up so
frankly about your personal experience with breast cancer. You have reported
and renewed confidence in the use of mammography, a lifesaving technique. You
are a visible example of strength and courage to women and Americans all across
the Nation. We feel proud to honor you as the recipient of the American Cancer
Society Courage Award. And to present this award, I would like to ask Chairman
Kay Horsch to join me.
Mrs.
Horsch. ``The American Cancer Society salutes Nancy
Reagan for her personal courage in her battle against cancer and for the hope
and inspiration she gives all Americans in the fight for life and health, 1988,
signed Ronald Reagan.''
Mrs.
Reagan. Thank you very much. I'm very honored to
receive this award from Ronald Reagan. [Laughter] I can't say that it's an
award that I dreamed of getting when I was growing up, but that's what happens
sometimes in life. And if you can help other people to deal with this problem,
then that makes you feel good. And I hope that's what's happened. Thank you
very much.
Note: The President
spoke at