Kamala Harris’ views on health care were shaped by her mother, cancer researcher Shyamala Gopalan

As Vice President Kamala Harris emerges as the likely Democratic candidate in the U.S. presidential race, her background on health care issues ranging from reproductive rights to drug pricing is attracting more attention. A look at the life and work of Harris’ late mother, the prominent breast cancer researcher Shyamala Gopalan, offers insights into the personal connections that have shaped Harris’ views on health and medicine.

Since assuming her role as vice president, Harris has been vocal about the legacy of her mother, who died of colon cancer in 2009.

“My mother, Dr. Shyamala Gopalan, had two goals in life: to cure breast cancer and to raise my sister and me,” Harris posted on Facebook this past Mother’s Day.

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