Courage in Action: Cancer Survivors Unite at State Capitol to Advocate for Change
Illinois Must Do Better to Reduce the Burden of Cancer
Stacy Jacobson
Senior Regional Media Advocacy Manager
**Media Alert** Cancer Action Day Brings North Carolina Advocates to Raleigh
May 6, 2026
RALEIGH, N.C. – Cancer advocates, patients, survivors and caregivers from around the state will gather at the General Assembly on Tuesday, May 12, to ask lawmakers to make cancer policy a priority for Cancer Action Day hosted by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). They will host a news conference at 10 a.m., followed by meetings with lawmakers to push for passage of House Bill 567 to increase access to biomarker testing.
When someone faces a cancer diagnosis, biomarker testing may help their doctors determine the right therapy or treatment. It can save critical time in a cancer fight by helping patients avoid treatments that may not work. It also helps in the diagnosis and management of other diseases, including Alzheimer’s, arthritis and pre-eclampsia.
Patients who’ve benefited from biomarker testing will speak at the news conference and will be available for interviews. They’ll also be joined by HB567 Sponsor, Rep. Grant Campbell, MD, and advocates from ACS CAN as well as the Alzheimer’s Association.
“In just one year of the targeted medication, my tumor melted away. Thanks to biomarker testing and targeted therapy, the trajectory of my cancer completely changed," said Ethan Davis, a brain cancer patient from Winston-Salem.
“We are proud to fight to make sure more North Carolinians can achieve the best chance to survive cancer by opening the door to the latest advances in targeted treatments,” said John Broome, ACS CAN North Carolina government relations director.
To date, 24 states have passed legislation to improve coverage of biomarker testing, including Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.
PRESS CONFERENCE DETAILS
WHERE:
Press Room, Legislative Building
WHEN:
Tuesday, May 12, 10 a.m.
WHO:
John Broome, ACS CAN
Lindsey Golden, Alzheimer’s Association
Ashley Fannin, Son had Biomarker Testing as a Cancer Patient
Elizabeth Civils, Daughter had Biomarker Testing as a Rare Disease Patient
Rep. Grant Campbell, MD
**speaker list subject to change**
B-roll/Visual Opportunity:
An interactive display of HOPE to honor those touched by cancer will be located outside the Legislative Building main entrance.
**If you cannot make the news conference at 10 a.m., advocates will be on-site and available for interviews until 2 p.m. Please call Stacy at (443) 610-3627 to arrange coverage.**
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