Dr. Mendelsohn Reception

Thank you, Angela.  Your fighting spirit has been a tremendous inspiration to us all.  We are grateful to be in your lovely home this evening.

Over the last nine days, we have been reminded, in a very moving way, of who the real heroes are in America, loving fire fighters who run into danger as everyone around them retreats from it.

Members of law enforcement who protect our institutions, and risk their lives to keep us secure.

Medical personnel who work around the clock to save just one more life.

One of the great medical pioneers of this nation, a real hero to all who have suffered through cancer, is our special guest this evening, and the president of M.D. Anderson, Dr. John Mendelsohn.

His breakthrough work in the area of cancer research gives hope to an entire generation of Americans, and citizens around this world, trying to beat this disease.

When the people we love suffer through this mysterious and dangerous disease, sometimes all we have left is hope.

Like many of you who have suffered through cancer, or know a loved one who has, my family is holding out hope that my mother, Amelia, will beat it.

We all need heroes like John Mendelsohn, like Lance Armstrong, who show us this disease can be beat, that there is hope for all who suffer through cancer, and there is life for those who survive it.

I consider it a great honor to be each one of you tonight, and to be in the company of a true Texas hero, Dr. Mendelsohn.  Thank you.