Lung Cancer Alliance condoles the death of Edward Kennedy

Laurie Fenton-Ambrose, President and CEO of Lung Cancer Alliance extended condolences to the family of Senator Edward Kennedy who died of brain cancer late last night.

"All of us at Lung Cancer Alliance - the members of our Boards, our staff and advocates, patients and caregivers - are greatly saddened by Senator Kennedy's death.

"During his 46 years in the U.S. Senate he became a recognized leader on civil rights, education, labor and health policy issues, and in particular, cancer policy. From his work on the National Cancer Act of 1971 to the new Access to Life-Saving Early Detection and Research and Treatment (ALERT) Act legislation he was working on at the time of his diagnosis, Senator Kennedy was deeply committed to changing the course of this devastating disease.

"Like many of our families, his has been so sadly impacted by cancer. We send our deepest sympathy to his children and grandchildren. We can best honor his memory by continuing with even greater determination our efforts to end the scourge of lung cancer and to finally be able to say we have won.

"We take inspiration from one of Senator Kennedy's most profound and widely known statements: 'For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.'"

Lung Cancer Alliance (www.LungCancerAlliance.org) is the only national non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to patient support and advocacy for those living with or at risk for lung cancer. Lung Cancer Alliance is committed to leading the movement to reverse decades of stigma and neglect by empowering those with or at risk for the disease, elevating awareness and changing health policy.