American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Calls on Former Governor Hogan to Make Cancer a Priority as Candidate for U.S. Senate in Maryland

SILVER SPRING, MD – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) called on U.S. Senate candidates in Maryland to clearly state their commitments to fighting cancer, and one of the candidates, former Governor Larry Hogan, sat down with cancer survivors earlier today to discuss policies that alleviate the burden of cancer, a disease that continues to kill more than 1,600 Americans every day. The effort is part of ACS CAN’s national Cancer Votes program – the country’s leading voter education program for cancer-related issues and policies.

This afternoon, cancer survivors and ACS CAN volunteers gathered at the Black Lion Café in Silver Spring to connect with Governor Hogan about why cancer is an election issue. Many of the same advocates connected with Congressman David Trone in a like event last month.

During the roundtable, Romeo White was able to share what motivates him to participate in the Cancer Votes program and connect with candidates on key issues impacting the cancer community. A local of White Plains, White participates to ensure that no other Maryland families need navigate the barriers to care that his mother did as a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patient. He lost her to the disease when he was 18 years old after a long- and hard-fought battle.

“Lawmakers have immense power to effect real, positive change for cancer patients. This makes elections crucial for Marylanders like me, who have loved and lost people to the disease,” said White. “Connecting with Governor Hogan earlier today to underscore what matters to patients and where they can be prioritized in Congress was a great opportunity.” 

ACS CAN sent its Cancer Promise pledge to all candidates in the race for U.S. Senate in Maryland and asked them to pledge their support for cancer research funding, ensuring access to affordable, quality health coverage, and ensuring access to cancer prevention services. Governor Hogan has signed on in support.

The ACS CAN Cancer Promise pledge states:

“I recognize the critical role that elected officials play in leading public policy changes that are vital to the fight against cancer. As such, I promise to help advance policies and legislation supported by ACS CAN that work to end cancer as we know it, for everyone, by accelerating cures, improving access to care, and ensuring access to cancer prevention and early detection services, including tobacco control.

If elected, I pledge to:

• Support sustainable annual increases in cancer research funding for the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute.
• Protect existing laws and support legislation to expand health care options that help patients access quality, affordable health care.
• Support legislation to ensure access to cancer prevention services, including tobacco control and access to lifesaving cancer screenings.”

“When my mom was diagnosed with cancer, my dad was active-duty Navy. This meant that we moved around a lot and sometimes we were in places that did not have the facilities or resources that my mom needed. Sometimes we had to travel hours just for my mom to receive her chemotherapy,” said White. “I was grateful to be able to share my mother’s story with Governor Hogan and isolate where he can, if elected, break down barriers to care like that which my mom faced.”

Throughout the campaign season, volunteers across the country will be attending candidate events, canvassing neighborhoods, holding rallies and distributing voter guides that include the candidates’ positions on cancer issues. ACS CAN volunteers have requested meetings with the other candidates for U.S. Senate in Maryland.

Individuals can register to vote and find their polling location by visiting cancervotes.org. ACS CAN is strictly nonpartisan and does not endorse, oppose, or contribute to any candidate or political party. For more information, visit cancervotes.org.

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About ACS CAN  
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

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