Cancer Advocates Gather in Pierre for Day at the Capitol

Pierre, S.D. (Feb. 2, 2017) — The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) will host its annual Day at the Capitol for cancer advocates on Friday, Feb. 3, in Pierre. Volunteers from across the state will meet with their lawmakers to discuss the importance of finding legislative solutions to eliminate cancer as a major health problem.

As part of the Day at the Capitol activities, Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed Friday “Suits and Sneakers Day” in South Dakota. Legislators, lobbyists and staff working at the Capitol are encouraged to wear sneakers to promote awareness of the fight against cancer. Last year, more than 4,500 South Dakotans heard the words “you have cancer,” and more than 1,600 lost their lives to the disease

The governor’s proclamation also spotlights Coaches vs. Cancer, a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. This initiative leverages the personal experiences, community leadership and professional excellence of coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs. Since 1993, coaches have raised over $100 million for the American Cancer Society.

ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem.  ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.

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