Dear Editor:
Last week, I traveled to Washington, DC, with more than 700 other American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteers from across the country to urge Congress to support lifesaving policies that help people prevent and better treat cancer. I called on lawmakers to increase federal funding for cancer research, support legislation to improve patient quality of life, and remove cost barriers to colorectal cancer screenings for seniors.
When I met with Senator Joe Manchin, Congressman Evan Jenkins, and Congressman David McKinley, as well as the staffs of Senator Shelley Moore Capito, and Congressman Alex Mooney, I told them that Congress should seize these opportunities to put partisanship aside and make ending cancer as we know it a top national priority.
I let our lawmakers know that people and families touched by cancer in West Virginia and across our country are counting on them to support legislation that would help make cancer history. With one in two men and one in three women being diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, we can’t let this year pass without taking legislative action on these important issues.
I know our conversation made a difference in the halls of Congress, and I encourage you to add your voice. Visit www.acscan.org to be connected to people like me in your community.
Annette Fetty-Santilli
State Lead Ambassador
American Cancer Society Cancer Action
Network (ACS CAN)
Philippi