WASHINGTON, D.C. – More than 750 cancer patients, survivors and advocates from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Guam and Puerto Rico, representing nearly every congressional district, will be on Capitol Hill this week to make clear to members of Congress that cancer must be a national priority.
As part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) annual Leadership Summit and Lobby Day, advocates will urge lawmakers to increase funding for cancer research and prevention programs and pass legislation that would make it easier for all people with cancer to participate in clinical trials, including those in underrepresented populations, like rural residents, older adults, certain racial and ethnic groups and those with limited incomes.
“With more than 2 million people in the U.S. expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year and more than 18.5 million estimated to be currently living with a history of cancer, it’s more important than ever that Congress continues funding cancer research and prevention,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the American Cancer Society and ACS CAN. “Recent breakthroughs in cancer screening and treatment are radically transforming patient care. Cancer research saves lives and the return on scientific investment is accelerated progress and improved outcomes.”
In addition to urging lawmakers to boost cancer research funding, ACS CAN volunteer advocates will also call on Congress to pass the bipartisan, bicameral Clinical Trial Modernization Act (CTMA). This legislation would ensure more patients—regardless of their economic means or their geographic location—have a chance to enroll in clinical trials, ultimately giving more people a better chance to access innovative cancer treatments.
“Clinical trials are essential to advancing breakthroughs that can help people better prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer, but far too many patients are unable to access trials due to cost and geographic barriers,” said Lisa A. Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “The Clinical Trial Modernization Act would help make lifesaving clinical trials more accessible, accelerating the development of new and better treatment options for all patients. We urge Congress to pass this critical legislation.”
Tuesday’s lobby day on Capitol Hill culminates with ACS CAN’s annual Lights of Hope event starting at 7:00 p.m. at Constitution Gardens on the National Mall. Lights of Hope is a powerful display featuring over 10,000 lights lining the garden’s pond honoring cancer survivors and memorializing those who have died from the disease. It stretches beyond D.C., with 90,000 total bags on display at community events across the nation. The annual ceremony delivers a powerful message to lawmakers that they have the power to reduce the cancer burden.
Additionally, as part of ACS CAN’s Leadership Summit and Lobby Day, the organization honors a select group of lawmakers, volunteers, staff members and partners who have made exemplary contributions to the cancer fight. The National Distinguished Advocacy Award, ACS CAN’s most prestigious honor, will be presented to U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D–CT), U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo (R–ID), Wisconsin State Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R–WI), New York State Sen. Roxanne Persaud (D–NY), Mississippi State Rep. Sam Creekmore (R–MS), and Mississippi State Sen. Walter Michel (R–MS) in recognition of their leadership and commitment to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
ACS CAN’s Judicial Advocacy Initiative (JAI) Award will be presented to Lindsay Kaplan and Ashley Edmonds from the law firm of Kilpatrick Townsend in recognition of their tremendous donations of legal services devoted to ACS CAN’s mission to advocate for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. Together, they have logged nearly three decades of service monitoring cases of interest and keeping ACS CAN abreast of mission-critical lawsuits across the country.
“Over the last quarter century, ACS CAN volunteers have helped advance lifesaving legislation and regulation and ensured that cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and their families have a voice where policy decisions are made," said John Manna, volunteer chair of ACS CAN’s Board of Directors. “It’s personal for all of us. We all know someone whose life has been affected by cancer, and we want lawmakers to think of their constituents’ stories – families in their districts who have faced this disease – and make a commitment to take action to defeat cancer.”
Other special guests during ACS CAN’s Leadership Summit include this year’s keynote speaker, Broadway star and breast cancer survivor Mandy Gonzalez.