My first ASCO memories were back almost four decades ago (The Cancer Letter, June 3, 2022).
I read with interest the contributions of others back in those days, and some of them mentioned me and Bristol-Myers Squibb and events we hosted. Some comments sounded a bit critical, but those were different times.
Back then, the oncologists, the oncology nurses, and some of us BMS folks were in the battle against cancer together.
Back then, the oncologists, the oncology nurses, and some of us BMS folks were in the battle against cancer together.
Some remembered the telephone booths at the BMS exhibit at the ASCO annual meeting. Others remembered the big parties we hosted, and came by the thousands to escape the stress of work to see The 5th Dimension, Lesley Gore, and the Four Tops.
Others commented about the President’s Reception, which brought together the world leaders in cancer treatment. And, I noted a remark about me and my buddy, Bob Comis, doing our version of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” (I’m still singing it, but sadly without Bob. I am attaching a clip of it, in my 40-year-old green sports coat. It’s too big now. Haha.)
I can only hope that I and BMS will be remembered not for those events, but by the camaraderie we attempted to create. And, the establishment of the ASCO and the ONS Awards programs. As well as the thousands of clinical trials we conducted to bring more effective treatment to cancer patients, such as Taxol and carboplatin.
I’m attaching a recent photo. I’m 75 now, but still doing things MY way, here in the Philippines.
