September
19-20, 2006 – Thousands, from every state and every walk of life, told their stories of survival and perseverance this
past week at the American Society Cancer Action Network Celebration on Capital Hill.
The event, sponsored in conjunction with the American Cancer Society, set a tremendous precedent in the fight against cancer.
Their mission: To be heard by Congress.
“We want
Congress to help put in to place laws that will provide more funding for cancer research, and a cure (for cancer) by
the year 2015. We want them (Congress) to help us get the word out about cancer
– its causes and available treatment options”, says one participant, Clara Shepherd.
Accurate
points considering that many people aren’t keen about early cancer detection, available medications, and treatments.
Several
of the event’s ambassadors met with members of Congress to advocate for a
national cancer priority policy in hopes of bringing to the forefront the seriousness of cancer, it’s affect on family,
friends, and the nation as a whole.
While the
latest figures suggest that there is an overall decline in cancer mortality rates, many who participated in the Capital Hill
event shared stories of family members and loved ones who succumbed to the disease.
A few of the
participants of the Hill celebration, now in their sixties, indicated they are 20, 30, or more year cancer survivors, learning
they had cancer as early as twenty four years old.
“We may
not be able to conquer Mt. Rushmore, but we can conquer cancer”,
states another ACS CAN cancer ambassador, Ms. Phyllis Seward.
For more information
on the event, the disease, facts and figures, click here.
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