WASHINGTON, D.C. – Cancer survivors, researchers and advocates, including Lynne Nacke of Birmingham, 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. Nacke 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, reliable and steady increases in cancer research and prevention funding, breakthrough discoveries and 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: Lynne Nacke
WHAT: Nacke 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., also available home in Birmingham before and after
WHERE: Dirksen Senate Office Building 124, 50 Constitution Ave. NE, Washington, D.C.
Photos, soundbites and video are also available upon request.
