South Carolinians Join Hundreds of Cancer Patients, Survivors Nationwide to Call on Congress: Make Cancer a National Priority

COLUMBIA, SC – September 29, 2021 – Nearly 700 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones from all 50 states and nearly every congressional district dialed into calls and logged onto virtual meetings this week to ask members of Congress to make the fight against cancer a national priority.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) hosted its annual Leadership Summit and Lobby Day virtually. While the event looked different, the advocates were as dedicated as ever to critical issues, including increased cancer research and prevention funding, keeping Affordable Care Act tax credits and supporting the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (MCED). 

“Cancer hasn’t stopped, so neither have we. Congress must take action to address the needs of cancer patients during and beyond the pandemic,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “We need consistent and significant increases in cancer research and prevention funding to ensure we maximize past investments and continue to make significant progress preventing and treating a disease that is projected to kill more than 600,000 Americans this year.”

In addition to urging lawmakers to boost research and prevention funding, ACS CAN volunteers also encourage lawmakers to ensure that the Affordable Care Act tax credits that are scheduled to expire at the end of 2022 are made permanent and to cosponsor the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act.

The virtual meetings follow a Lights of Hope Across America event held Saturday where 50,000 lit bags decorated with the names of those who’ve been touched by cancer were displayed in homes nationwide as a powerful message of hope.

Here in South Carolina, volunteers Sundi Herring from North Charleston and Taquina Davis from Blythewood were able to meet with Congressman Joe Wilson and share why the advocate. In turn, the congressman shared his son’s personal cancer journey.  Congressman Wilson committed to co-sponsoring MCED Act.

Several members of the delegation were also interested in the MCED Act and Congressman Wilson committed to co-sponsoring the bill.

Photos are available upon request or by searching #CancerLobbyDay in which cancer survivors and patients from across the state shared images and highlights of their virtual meetings with Congress.

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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.