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spring. It was only due to the prestige of these two men. It was really due to my husband's prestige, who had endowed Mr. Foote with it, but Mr. Foote was really to use it.

And there was actually no restriction coming out of Washington on this?

No, not at all, just an unwritten law, just as five or six years before you couldn't mention the word syphilis. That was broken by a campaign headed by Parran, and an advertising man had been involved in that, too.

This breaking down of the use of the word cancer on the radio programs, and the good programs, including one “Fibber McGee and Molly” and appeals for funds on the radio were essential to the success of the campaign. Foote was the only layman, except Charlie Ellis and Mr. Ripley, on the board of the Society and the only one who had any picture of what ought to be accomplished. No one had any idea that the campaign could be as successful as it was. The staff, as I said, was very inadequate, and the money poured in, to the great confusion of Mr. Ripley, the treasurer, who was horrified at the prospect of counting the money.

Did you have any official role in this?

Oh, no. I'm always best if I'm on the outside.