"HEALTH" PRESS RELEASES

Queen Noor, Vice-President Gore address "The March" a national rally for cancer.

Sunday 26 September 1998

Tens of thousands of cancer survivors, their families and friends gathered in Washington DC this weekend in a national rally, "The March", to fight against cancer. Her Majesty Queen Noor, Vice-President Al-Gore and numerous political activists and other personalities spoke out at The March. In his speech, Vice-President Gore said that each person at the rally represented "a renewed commitment to end cancer" adding that the United States declared "war on cancer" more than a quarter of a century ago and vowed that this generation would be "the generation that wins this war."

In her remarks, Queen Noor said that she had heard of this rally from her daughter Princess Iman, who had decided to participate and "use her faith, love and optimism to benefit many others suffering from this cruel enemy." She noted that in this year alone, "while 10 million people worldwide will be stricken with cancer, 15% of these cases are preventable." The Queen added that she would like to join Majesty King Hussein in expressing their thanks and gratitude "for all the love and prayers of not only our Jordanian family but people throughout the world and here in the United States where he is undergoing treatment", saying that "these prayers and that spirit of family meant so much to all of us and can make all the difference."

Queen Noor said that the impact of this rally will be felt not only in the United States, but can also "make a difference to the health prospects of people around the world" by placing cancer care as a high priority on social and national agendas. Jordan’s satellite links with the United States, for example, provide live telemedical educational conferences, medical consultations and exchange of information, which is vital for the advancement of health care and raising medical standards in both countries. Queen Noor said that the force behind this national rally is the "power of the people", citing the example of Al Amal Center as a comprehensive cancer care institute that "we created with the power of the people."

Earlier King Hussein and Queen Noor met with the organizers of "The March". King Hussein expressed his support and admiration for their efforts, affirming that "we will all soldier on together."