In a SXSW keynote, the former vice president argued that the effort to fight cancer is all about data collection and how technologists can help in the battle.
Joe Biden’s speech grew more passionate and emotional as he addressed the packed audience at the SXSW conference. In what began as his Cancer Moonshot Task Force challenge as the Obama administration’s last year in office, he shared several lessons that shaped the work he and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, plan to do with the Biden Cancer Initiative.
The work of the Cancer Moonshot Task Force and the Biden Cancer Initiative is tasked with finding a cure to the disease,and referenced John F. Kennedy’s initiative to put a human being on the moon. “He talked about the effort to go to the moon as a commitment that the American people had made and were unwilling to postpone. That was his phrase.”
Biden asked the techies in the SXSW audience to devote as their time and resources to helping researchers gain access to data, technology and tools needed to beat cancer with as much tech as it requires to increase modern smartphone tasks.
“We can solve all these problems,” Biden said. “They’re technological problems, [not] a cancer problem. We need your help, we need your help.”
Biden lost his son Beau to brain cancer a year ago, said that he would have liked to have been president when the cure is finally found. When President Obama announced his Moonshot initiative, he immediately charged Biden to spearhead the initiative.
“When he gave me the sign, he gave me all of the authority of the president to go through with this,” Biden explained. “I could hire, fire, set priorities. I didn’t have to check.” As he delved into the project, he said, “I learned that we have to approach cancer at this moment with the urgency of now.”
After Donald Trump’s presidential election, Biden announced still remains vigilant to spend the rest of his life in the fight against cancer with theBiden Cancer Initiative in a privatized version of the Obama administration’s moonshot initiative, which includes the former director of the Obama administration’s Cancer Moonshot Task Force as well as other members of that team.
Despite their being a lot of tax payer money going in to a bulk of the research to fight cancer, private money is still needed and plays a large role.
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…