5 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · May 2
The daughter of Iranian immigrants had worked in the White House and Senate and was serving as Amfar's director of government affairs when diagnosed with Stage 4 disease.
She had lobbied for AIDS research and later became a prominent advocate for cancer patients and medical research, continuing that work until her death.
Her career bridged public service and health advocacy, leaving a legacy in efforts to influence federal policy and support people facing serious illness.
As a top health advocate dies from cancer, how will her fight for research funding survive proposed federal budget cuts?
Why is colorectal cancer the top cancer killer for young Americans, and what is the key to stopping its deadly rise?