American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Calls on Montana's U.S. Senate Candidates to Make Cancer a Priority

HELENA, Mont. – September 14, 2020 – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is calling on Montana’s U.S. Senate candidates to clearly state their commitments to fighting cancer—a disease that continues to kill more 1,600 people a day in this country. Volunteer advocates issued invitations to all major U.S. Senate candidates in the state to meet with cancer patients and survivors virtually to discuss the issues most important to them.

On Thursday, September 17 from 8:30- 9 a.m., more than 30 ACS CAN volunteers will meet Gov. Steve Bullock for a “Coffee with the Candidate: Connected on Cancer” meeting. The virtual event is a non-partisan opportunity for local voters to interact with major candidates and educate them and the public on the important role public policy plays in reducing suffering and death from cancer. In Montana, roughly 5,850 people will be diagnosed with cancer this year and more than 2,100 residents will die from the disease.

The open dialogue between the governor and ACS CAN volunteers will present a special opportunity for cancer advocates to share their personal stories, as well as hear where he stands on legislative issues specific to cancer.

The effort is part of ACS CAN’s national Cancer Votes campaign – the nation’s leading voter education program informing the public and candidates about the actions lawmakers should take to make fighting cancer a national priority. ACS CAN has also invited Sen. Daines to meet with volunteers to discuss these issues.

WHAT:  “Coffee with the Candidate: Connected on Cancer” with Gov. Steve Bullock, a personal and non-partisan discussion between cancer advocates and one of the major U.S. Senate candidates to talk through public policy issues that are critical to cancer patients and their families, such as cancer research funding and ensuring access to quality health coverage including for rural populations.

WHO:  Gov. Steve Bullock, cancer survivors and ACS CAN volunteers from across Montana including:

• Lois Fitzpatrick, ACS CAN Legislative Ambassador Emeritus and breast cancer survivor who will speak to the importance of supporting cancer research and its impact on patients today and into the future.
• Keri Yoder, ACS CAN State Lead Ambassador and caregiver for her aging mother who will share personal experiences with the challenges of rural cancer care.
• Leah Zins, ACS CAN Congressional Act Lead and cancer survivor who will talk about how having access to Medicaid saved her life and how important having coverage was for her with a preexisting condition.

WHEN:    September 17, 2020 from 8:30 to 9 a.m. Media is invited to listen to the conversation and interview volunteers afterward. 

WHERE:  Virtually via Microsoft Teams. To receive the official meeting invite link, please RSVP to Noe Streetman at [email protected] or call 503-729-2919.

About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.

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