Remarks prepared for delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Broward County, Florida

Thank you Debbie for this very warm welcome.

Just last week, the President and I visited Fort Myers to assess the damage from Hurricane Ian and meet with families. The road to recovery will be long, but the spirit and resilience of this state will endure. And we’ll be by your side, every step of the way.

It’s really special to be back in Florida today.

Member of Congress, your courage throughout your own cancer journey is an inspiration to so many women. And now you’re helping other survivors live fuller, healthier lives.

And thank you to Dr. Bertagnolli, the new director of the National Cancer Institute for joining us today, and to the Sylvester Cancer Center for your warm welcome.

Author Bell Hooks once wrote, “Rarely, if ever, do any of us heal in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.

None of us can beat cancer alone. We survive because of the love of our families, the dedication of our doctors and nurses, and the support of communities, like this one, that come together to fight this disease.

Yes, cancer has the power to destroy. But it can also connect us. It forces us to reach out – for answers, for help, for healing. He tears away the things that divide us. It inspires us to come together and find the love and support on which our future can be built.

For Joe and me, for Debbie, this is the mission of our lives. And we are ready and proud to work alongside you as you fight and survive cancer. Because healing is an act of communion—and none of us are alone.

Together, we can give patients and their families the care and the future they deserve. This idea of ​​community and collaboration is at the heart of Cancer Moonshot. We bring together scientists, business leaders and advocates from across the country and around the world.

Our goal is to transform cancer care and save lives. We do this by bringing cutting-edge treatments to patients faster. We invest in telehealth so you can receive world-class care from home.

And at the end of the month, the White House will partner with the American Cancer Society to bring together some of the most influential cancer experts and leaders from all sectors. Together, we will accelerate this next phase to end breast cancer as we know it.

Above all, this work is about putting patients and their loved ones at the center of their own cancer journey. Because from personalized outreach reminding people to get tested, to clinic staff helping families navigate complex and confusing schedules and treatments, to programs that help people live fuller lives once they are cured of cancer, we are finding new ways to prevent, treat and survive cancer.

No, we cannot defeat cancer alone. In fact, we all have a role to play in this fight.

As National Mammogram Day approaches next week, I want to remind you that “doing our part” starts with getting the screenings we need and talking to our loved ones about getting theirs, too.

I know you are busy. Especially the moms and babes out there. When you’re busy taking care of everyone else, it can be hard to take care of yourself. But mammograms can save your life, and nothing on your to-do list is more important than that!

So talk to your doctor. Make a calendar appointment now to remember! Do not wait ! We owe it to ourselves and the people who love us to take care of our health.

Thanks.

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