When Geraldine Ferraro was diagnosed with a rare, bone-destroying blood cancer called multiple myeloma in December 1998, she responded with remarkable optimism: “This is a race I may not win, but I've lost other races before, so it's not the end of the world.”

Calling herself “fine and in remission,” Ferraro became a passionate advocate for cancer survival. In 2001, she told a Senate panel she hoped to live long enough to witness the inauguration of the first woman President of the United States. She urged lawmakers to invest more money in scientific research and expedite drug approval processes.

“Modern life is confusing—no Ms. take about it,” she once quipped.

Geraldine Anne Ferraro (1935–2011) was born on this day in New York City, the child of Italian immigrants. A teacher and lawyer, she served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives (1979–1985) and became a prominent voice in the Democratic Party.

She made history in 1984 as Walter Mondale’s running mate—the first woman nominated as vice president by a major political party. “Vice president... it has such a nice ring to it!” she declared at the time.

Although the Mondale–Ferraro ticket lost to Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, her groundbreaking candidacy continues to inspire generations. Ferraro said, “My biggest thing is the personal contact with everyone who has the disease. I receive phone calls and letters from them—and I return every call and answer every letter.”

Taking notice, Ferraro looked to the future with hope...