Michael Milken
Survivor Inductee

Drew Nieporent
Humanitarian, 2005

Senator John Mc.Cain
2004 Inductee

Deirdre and Don Imus
Humanitarian Award

Geraldine Ferraro, Fran and Jack Dalessandro
2003 Inductee

Ken Langone
2003 Humanitarian Award

Patrick McMullan
2002 Inductee

Douglas McCormick
2002 Humanitarian Award

Mayor Rudolph Giuliani
2001 Inductee

Nancy Brinker
2000 Inductee

Carol M. Baldwin
1999 Inductee

Jill Eikenberry
1998 Inductee

Harry Belafonte
1998 Inductee

William R. Johnston
1998 Humanitarian Award

Linda Ellerbee
1997 Inductee

Sen. John McCain 2004 Cancer Survivor of the Year

Cancer Survivor of the Year - Senator John McCain

The son and grandson of prominent Navy admirals, John McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone in 1936. After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1958, McCain began a twenty-two year career as a naval aviator. In 1967, he was shot down over Vietnam and held as a prisoner-of-war in Hanoi for five and a half years (1967-1973), much of it in solitary confinement. He retired from the Navy as a Captain in 1981. McCain's naval honors include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross.

John McCain was first elected to represent the state of Arizona in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982. As a longtime admirer of Ronald Reagan, McCain was an early foot soldier in the Reagan Revolution. He served two terms in the House before being elected to the Senate in 1985. He was re-elected to a third Senate term in November 1998.

John McCain has been an outspoken advocate for the reform of government institutions, and has fought and won to change a campaign finance system that favors the interests of a special few over the needs of the majority. In 2000, millions of Americans rallied to John McCain's campaign for the presidency and to his cause of reforming the institutions of government. He inspired many to fight for causes greater than their self interests.

In 1993, McCain had a cancerous mole removed from his shoulder that proved to be melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, according to medical records he released in December 1999 when he was diagnosed with a recurrence of the disease.

Melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer, blamed for 7,700 deaths annually in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. The organization also notes that 47,700 Americans will be diagnosed with the disease this year.

The Cancer Research and Treatment Fund is honored to recognize Senator McCain for his determination and spirit. He provides an excellent example for those who continue to struggle daily with their own disease.