The stories shared by my fellow advocates were heartfelt and inspiring. I felt an immediate connection to survivors and their families who have walked this walk. I was shocked and saddened by how young people are being diagnosed.... college students, new moms, athletes... people from all walks of life. I can't make any sense of why this disease is hitting the under 50 crowd so hard!
We walked the halls of congress and senate last Tuesday and met with our representatives and their aides to inform and educate about CRC. We asked them for their support and they came through in a BIG way! This paves the way for more research and will lead to new treatments to help us all with continued survival and an eventual cure!
To quote my fellow advocate, Stacy Hurt: "President Trump announced that he has signed the $1.3 trillion spending bill that passed Congress last night. In addition, the omnibus bill passed by the Senate and House earmarks $300 million for the Cancer Moonshot initiative. This is an increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with significant increases to several federal health agencies in FY18. The passing of this bill means we have the funds to support researchers and ultimately accelerate medical progress, public health, and scientific innovation
GREAT JOB ADVOCATES! We applaud our partners like ACS CAN, OVAC, Research!America, and so many groups that rallied to support research funding!"
I hope other forum members will consider joining us next year. It lifted my spirits considerably being with these amazing people who have become friends. I have learned "NO ONE FIGHTS ALONE" Colon Club forum has helped me so much and I hope to give back with continued advocacy fighting this monster disease.
Call on Congress advocates are passionate, intelligent, funny and really know how to party! Living life to the fullest in spite of everything!
A special thank you to four special women who I met. They are strong and passionate fighters! Trish Lannon, Leighann Sturgin, Diana Sloan and Maia Walker.
