Mary Lasker

Mary Lasker was the most influential lay advocate in the history of American medical research, who championed the National Cancer Act of 1971 and the War on Cancer. She persuaded presidents, senators, and the public to dramatically increase NIH funding for cancer research over four decades. She established the Lasker Awards, which have recognized over 95 future Nobel laureates in medicine. Her legislative efforts transformed cancer research from a neglected field into a major national scientific and public health priority.