South Carolina Cancer Researcher to Travel to Capitol Hill to Urge Continued Federal Investment
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Cancer survivors, researchers and advocates, including Dr.
Stacy Jacobson
Senior Regional Media Advocacy Manager
Cancer Survivor to Travel to Capitol Hill to Urge Continued Federal Investment in Cancer Research
Ashleigh Parker is a stage 4 colorectal cancer survivor from Olive Branch.
May 18, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Cancer survivors, researchers and advocates, including Ashleigh Parker of Olive Branch, will travel to Capitol Hill on May 21 to deliver a message to Congress: America’s progress against cancer is working but continued investment is essential to save more lives.
The advocates represent researchers developing the next generation of treatments, survivors whose lives were extended through medical innovation and families fighting to ensure others have the same chance. They will attend the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies hearing featuring National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Jay Bhattacharya. The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. in room 124 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.
Last year, Congress demonstrated what is possible when lawmakers from both parties come together with a shared commitment to addressing cancer. Parker and other American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteers will urge their members to continue building on last year’s progress.
The federal government is the largest public funder of cancer research through the NIH and the National Cancer Institute. In the last 30 years, thanks to reliable and steady increases in cancer research and prevention funding, breakthrough discoveries, implementation of proven prevention strategies and innovation have led to a 34% decline in cancer mortality rates. This commitment has contributed to the remarkable statistic of over 18 million cancer survivors currently living in the U.S. today.
WHO: Ashleigh Parker
WHAT: Parker and other ACS CAN volunteers are traveling to D.C. and will attend a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing with the NIH director.
WHEN: Thursday, May 21, 10:00 a.m. Parker is also available back home before and after her trip.
WHERE: Dirksen Senate Office Building 124, 50 Constitution Ave. NE, Washington, D.C.
Photos, soundbites and video are also available upon request.
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