To the editor:

Last week, the 21st Century CURES bill was unanimously passed by a vote of 344 to 77.

This quality of life bill will infuse $1.75 billion a year for the next 5 years to the National Institute of Health for continuing critical medical research to ultimately find a cure for cancer, among other illnesses.

Cancer knows no boundaries whatsoever and strikes 1 in 3 women and 1 in 2 men in this country. This is staggering.

Laredo is no exception. Research has saved lives and I, as a 13-year cancer survivor, can attest that had it not been for research investment I would probably not be enjoying the quality of life that I presently enjoy.

Cancer does not recognize political differences either.

It sneakily strikes, and for the most part, when it strikes it is deadly.

The next cure is in the horizon and it was great to see something positive come from Capitol Hill last week; thank you Representative Henry Cuellar for passionately investing in our nation’s fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.

Sincerely,

Rene Mendez

Volunteer

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network