Cancer Survivor-Congressman Visits NIH

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) visited recently to learn more about NIH, with a special interest in cancer research. He was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) last year and successfully completed his treatment. His cancer experience sparked his interest in NIH and NCI.

He was met by NIH principal deputy director Dr. Lawrence Tabak and Clinical Center director Dr. John Gallin. During a 2-hour tour, DeSaulnier learned more about the latest treatment for CLL.

He toured NCI’s molecular imaging clinic and completed his visit in the company of Dr. Adrian Wiestner, senior investigator, Laboratory of Lymphoid Malignancies, NHLBI; Dr. Inye Ahn, a clinical fellow in the lab; Ethan Van Ness, DeSaulnier’s legislative assistant; and Dr. Neal Young, chief, Hematology Branch, NHLBI.