Benefactors Bernard and Edith Waterman

We decided that we would like to fund and be part of a partnership with Mayo for genetic cancer research. I, personally as a layperson and a patient, believe that it will be the best, biggest, largest, most phenomenal breakthrough in medicine in the history of this country.

We've already sponsored three young research scientists, and the progress they have made is unbelievable. They know the route, or the roadmap, of where they want to go. So, Edith and I have dedicated our personal foundation and our estate to genetic cancer research.

Thank you, Mayo, for extending my life, for giving me a better form of life. I say a prayer each time I come here — just four short lines — but there's one line that stands out. It simply says: "His hand is with you." Each time I walk in here, his hand is with me.

I stand here because of you. I have a better quality of life because of you, and I am eternally grateful. I came to Mayo 11 years ago, misdiagnosed, with a simple thing called a cyst on the prostate.

I came to Mayo for an appointment with Dr. Michael Blute. Cancer was there. I was back in a few days, and he and I made a decision to do the least-used treatment of cancer, a radical prostatectomy. I've always had a vision that the last years of your life are the best. I trusted the cancer would be curable.

Sixty days later, I was back at this world-renowned institution—the medical capital of the world. I suffered a fractured disc. I had surgery, but came out of surgery with a total right foot drop, the splinters of the disc still in my spinal area, paralyzed somewhat. So I came to Mayo Clinic and met my new good friend, Dr. Fred Meyer, and he put me back together again. I walk because of him.

I'm deeply indebted to this wonderful institution. I could go on and on. Dr. Jim Garrity discovered macular degeneration in my eyes three years ago. He introduced me to a study group on the new use of light laser on ruptured vessels in your eyes. In 60 days, I would have been blind. I can see.

And so, what do I owe you back? My life and financial support.

Bernard Waterman, a Mayo Clinic patient and benefactor, is president of Waterman Broadcasting Corporation, based in Fort Myers, Fla. Mr. Waterman, along with his wife, Edith, established the Mayo Clinic Bernard and Edith Waterman Cancer Genetics Research Center. The article above was excerpted from a recent speech to Mayo staff by Mr. Waterman.