February 19, 1992
Dear Mrs. Lasker:
I want to congratulate you in being recognized by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases for your outstanding humanitarian efforts and leadership in promoting the health of our nation. Your support and encouragement of medical research over the past fifty years, through the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation, have contributed so importantly to increasing our knowledge in combatting the major illnesses affecting Americans.
You have dedicated your time,  energy and resources to the goal of saving lives - pursuing this goal tirelessly and with a level of commitment that has inspired your friends, colleagues and others throughout the world. In 1972 you were instrumental in the establishment of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program which was so effective in reducing stroke mortality in the last twenty years. More recently, New York acknowledged your many contributions to research, prevention and treatment of heart disease by designating the Mary Lasker Heart and Hypertension Institute within the New York State Department of Health.
On behalf of the citizens of New York and the rest of the United States, I deeply appreciate all that you have done to enhance and prolong the lives of so many Americans.
Sincerely,
Mario M. Cuomo