October 21, 1966
Dear Dr. Clark:
I am happy to convey my greetings to America's voluntary leaders in the battle against arthritis. How very proud the Arthritis Foundation can be on the occasion of your 18th Annual Meeting. You are playing an invaluable role in the struggle to conquer arthritis and rheumatic disorders. You know so well the tragic toll they inflict -- their crippling of so many, the pain they cause, the serious economic loss.
Fortunately, we have been making good progress -- in scientific discovery, in treatment, care and rehabilitation. We owe so much to our dedicated physicians and allied professions. But we are indebted, too, to devoted leaders, notably the officers and members of your 79 chapters.
You honor today a great lady, my dear friend, Mrs. Mary Lasker. I send her my special congratulations. She has always been a dynamo for good. Her aid in establishing the Foundation is part of one of the most remarkable records of achievement in our time -- in a citizen's leadership for the public health.
My best wishes for your fruitful sessions and further great advances for our people's well-being.
Sincerely,
Hubert H. Humphrey