All these advances are encouraging. They speak of the dedication of professionals and volunteers alike, and of the increasing willingness of researchers, policymakers, medical practitioners, and survivors to work together to find meaningful ways to make a difference in the lives of women and their families living with the reality of breast cancer. It is that spirit of respect and collaboration that I hope will mark this first World Conference not only for the fighting spirit with which you work to heal yourselves, but for the way you reach out to your friends and your family. For the way you so often volunteer in your communities, and offer much needed compassion to others. Your hope and your faith in what is good in life is an inspiration to us all.
Breast cancer strikes indiscriminately, heedless of race, religion, nationality or social status.
That is why more and more women are joining forces to fight this scourge. Many of them, whose very flesh has been ravaged, are not satisfied with simply fighting a tough daily battle. By refusing to surrender, and by seeking to share with others their determination and thirst for life, they show a form of compassion that is typical of those who have been through this experience. We will probably never know how many women have realized that, even in the throes of this ordeal, life has a great deal to offer and they should never give up. Each and every one of you offers hope and provides an outstanding lesson in courage.