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Karen Knudsen: Reflecting on those whose quiet brilliance has profoundly transformed lives

Karen Knudsen/LinkedIn

Nov 29, 2024, 20:19

Karen Knudsen: Reflecting on those whose quiet brilliance has profoundly transformed lives

Karen Knudsen, Executive Strategic Advisor and Immediate Past CEO of the American Cancer Society (ACS), shared a post on LinkedIn:

“As we approach Thanksgiving here in the USA, the season of gratitude invites us to reflect on those whose quiet brilliance has profoundly transformed lives.

Today, I am especially grateful for Dora Richardson, a chemist and unsung hero who developed tamoxifen—a revolutionary drug that has saved countless lives in the fight against breast cancer.

As detailed in this compelling article, Dr. Richardson pursued her research under challenging conditions, conducting her work in secret to advance this life-saving breakthrough.

Although not the fertility drug her lab was hoping for, what was observed was stunning:

’After 10 weeks, tamoxifen had shrunk tumors substantially in 40 of those women, with very few side effects. This was truly a breakthrough moment. No chemo, no surgery. Just anti-estrogen drug therapy. The research team was elated.’

Decades later, tamoxifen’s impact stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication, ingenuity, and refusal to give up—even in the face of limited resources.

Her story is a powerful reminder that the progress we benefit from today rests on investment in research, and on the shoulders of individuals whose perseverance and passion change the course of history.

This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for heroes like Dr. Richardson and the countless others whose names may not be widely known but whose contributions save lives every day.

Who are the scientific heroes you’re grateful for?

Let’s take a moment to honor their legacies and celebrate the transformative power of science.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!”