Did you know my dad, Jay, from Rotary or Concord Cleaners? Or the State legislature or Capitol Center for the Arts?

My dad was diagnosed with cancer in 2003 and given four months to live. But thanks to National Institutes of Health research, he lived 12 more robust, productive years. In that time he grew and sold a business, employed and mentored dozens, paid taxes, bought and sold property, volunteered and donated generously to many charities. He celebrated births, graduations and weddings with family and friends, and he comforted them through illness, losses and deaths. His case provided evidence for advanced NIH treatments for many other sufferers, and his story provided hope.

The extra years given to my dad by scientific research allowed him to better his family, community and country.

Imagine 12 extra years of full and loving life with someone you adore and admire. NIH-supported scientific research made this possible for our family. NIH and its support for research in our universities and medical centers made this possible for countless others.

The NIH embodies the best of American intelligence, perseverance, ingenuity and devotion to improving the human condition. Its research dollars save lives, elevate the economy and make America great. We should be investing more in NIH research, not decimating it.

Kim Rosenfield

Hanover