PITTSBURGH, PA. – On September 13, more than 600 cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones from all 50 states and almost every congressional district united in Washington, D.C., as part of the annual American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Leadership Summit and Lobby Day (LSLD). ACS CAN volunteers were some of the first people back in the Capitol to meet with lawmakers since the pandemic, urging Congress to take specific steps to make cancer a national priority and help end a disease that still kills roughly 1,670 people a day in this country.
Marina Posvar, a cancer survivor from Pittsburgh, met with the offices of Rep. Doyle, Rep. Kelly, Sen. Toomey and Sen. Casey to discuss the need to support an increase in federal funding for cancer research through the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She asked them to support increasing the diversity of participants in clinical trials by ensuring that clinical trial sponsors can cover patients’ trial-associated costs, like lodging and transportation, and provide tools to enable remote participation. Additionally, Marina and fellow ACS CAN volunteers asked Members to support legislation to create a pathway for Medicare to cover new multi-cancer early detection tests once approved by the FDA.
“Roughly one in three Americans will hear the words “you have cancer” in their lifetime. We need a full and unwavering commitment from Congress to take action to help prevent and treat cancer,” said Posvar. “We want our lawmakers to know that volunteers from Pennsylvania and every state across the country are counting on them to take a stand.”
After meeting with their lawmakers, volunteers gathered at the Constitution Gardens in Washington, D.C., to honor cancer survivors and remember those who have been lost to the disease during the annual Lights of Hope ceremony. Illuminated bags decorated with the names of those who have been touched by cancer will be displayed as a powerful message of hope.
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About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, 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 made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.