Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Broward County, FL

Thank you, Debbie for that very kind welcome.

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

It is really special to be back in Florida today.

Congresswoman, your courage through your own cancer journey is an inspiration to so many women. And now, you are 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 very kind welcome.

The author bell hooks once wrote: “Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.”

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

Yes, cancer has the power to destroy. But it can connect us as well. It forces us to reach out – for answers, for help, for healing.  It 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 beside you as you fight cancer and as you survive it. 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. That idea of community and collaboration is at the heart of the Cancer Moonshot. We are bringing 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’re doing that by making cutting edge treatments available to patients faster. We’re investing in telehealth so you can receive world-class care from your own home. 

And at the end of the month, the White House will partner with the American Cancer Society to convene some of the most influential cancer experts and leaders from across industries. Together, we will speed up this next phase in ending breast cancer as we know it.

Most of 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 screened, to clinic staff who help families navigate complex and confusing schedules and treatments, to programs that help people live fuller lives after they’re cancer free, we are finding new ways to prevent, treat, and survive cancer. 

No, we can’t beat cancer alone—in fact, we all have a part to play in this fight.

As we approach National Mammography Day 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 as well.

I know you’re busy. Especially the moms and nanas out there. When you are busy taking care of everyone else, it can be hard to take care of you. 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 right now to remind yourself! Don’t wait! We owe it to ourselves and the people who love us to take care of our health.

Thank you. 
 

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