In Appreciation of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, NCCS Reflects on the Passing of a Distinctive Champion for Quality Cancer Care

The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) notes the death today of Senator Edward Kennedy with heartfelt compassion for his family, his colleagues, his staff, and for all of us in the cancer advocacy community who have benefitted from his extraordinary leadership on issues related to access to quality healthcare.

Over the course of his public service, Senator Kennedy was a distinctive champion for quality cancer care. As we mourn his passing, we acknowledge the depth and breadth of the body of legislation he supported that was intended to help millions of people affected by cancer and other life-limiting illnesses and disabilities.

We note specifically the Senator's leadership on the renewal of the National Cancer Act in 1971; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 which protects millions of people affected by cancer and other illnesses from workplace discrimination; his proposal to expand Medicare coverage and lower drug prices, and his very recent work on bi-partisan comprehensive cancer legislation, which are all examples of Senator Kennedy's passion and dedication to improving access to and quality of healthcare in the United States.

"Senator Kennedy has left a distinctive mark on many diverse issues that will continue to have an impact on the lives of millions of people," said Ellen Stovall, Acting President & CEO of NCCS and 37-year cancer survivor. "We are grateful to have had the privilege to work with the Senator and his staff for nearly 20 years. His memory will long endure and will be held in appreciation as we work with his colleagues to enact meaningful health care legislation." 

Senator Kennedy's personal diagnosis with cancer in 2008 provided a sense of urgency for the advancement of issues and reforms related to the quality of cancer care. In the spirit of Senator Kennedy's legacy, NCCS is committed to the passage of health care reform and improvements to the quality of care for the 12 million people who live with a diagnosis of cancer.

The Board of Directors and staff of NCCS send heartfelt condolences to the Kennedy family and all who mourn the Senator’s death. 

 ###