The annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, generally known as ASCO, provided an unusual bonus this year since José Carreras was their first performer for the benefit of the newly-created foundation (see story on page one). José was obviously touched by the tremendous enthusiasm of the audience, mostly physicians and their guests. The standing ovation went on for some time and José generously sang five encores. At one point someone in the audience called out O sole mio. José shrugged and said, “I don’t know that one”, which of course caused considerable laughter. He did later sing it. The concert was a special treat for me because José stepped forward for another encore and said, “This next song is for a very special lady, Mrs. Donnall Thomas”. The song was With a Song in My Heart. Don said I did not come back down to earth for almost a week.

José is also gathering laurels all over Europe. He received the degree of honorary member of the College of Chemists of Catalonia. He and the Foundation are also being awarded the “key” of Barcelona. In June the European Haematology Association at its meeting in Barcelona made José an Honorary Member and established a José Carreras Award to honor distinguished scientists. In September he will receive a Honoris Causa doctorate at the Italian University of Camerino. Congratulations from all of the Friends, José.

Dottie Thomas is Treasurer of the Friends’ Board.