Nancy Wahtomy is from the Northern Arapaho Tribe in Wyoming. She began volunteering with ACS CAN in 2023 after attending her first Cancer Action Day at the Idaho State Capitol. At this event, she met Idaho Grassroots Manager, Erin Riley and developed a partnership that inspired cancer advocacy and awareness events. Their collaboration has also opened doors of opportunity that have greatly expanded Nancy's cancer advocacy network.
"According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), health equity means the attainment of the highest level of health for all people. The facts are that not all people have a fair and equal opportunity to reach their highest level of health. The fact is that cancer doesn’t discriminate, and it affects our entire society. When someone is diagnosed with cancer, they should have equal access to medication, treatment, and clinical trials, but this isn’t the case. ACS CAN advocates for policies, laws and legislation that improve the fairness and equality in cancer care."
Nancy's personal connection to cancer care is through her eight years working as a patient navigator and focusing on cancer patients in the (Fort Hall) Tribal community. "It’s disheartening to think that some of my patients may not have been offered medical treatment that could have prolonged or saved their life, due to certain social factors. Health equity is important to me and the people that I work for, and work with. I look forward to working with ACS CAN to ensure that my one voice is given the chance to be heard, and to make a difference in cancer care for my Tribal community, in the State of Idaho, and on a National level."