News

Actions

Former Vice President Joe Biden will deliver keynote speech at Buffett Cancer Center ribbon cutting

Posted at 9:18 AM, May 19, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-19 10:19:26-04

Joe Biden, the former two-term vice president who headed a national Cancer Moonshot Task Force, will serve as keynote speaker at the May 23 ribbon cutting and dedication of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.

This new facility, which opens to patients in early June, is the largest project ever for the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and its clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine.

“The former vice president is the perfect speaker to mark the momentum and excitement surrounding the opening of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center,” said UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.

“We’re pleased that Joe Biden will join us on one of the most significant days in our medical center’s history,” Dr. Gold said. “Mr. Biden led the White House Cancer Moonshot to enhance cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care and is now launching his own Biden Cancer Initiative.

“To have his participation in the dedication of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is significant – especially for our community of researchers, health providers and patients. Like the Moonshot, this cancer center is uniquely designed to bolster the collaborations necessary to eliminate this disease.”

The former vice president’s son, Beau, died of brain cancer in 2015, at age 46. Biden has said he will spend the rest of his life fighting to eradicate the disease.