Komen Lobby Day 2008

On Thursday June 5 nearly 300 breast cancer Survivors and activists from all over the country represented Susan G. Komen for the Cure on Capitol Hill. I was part of the delegation from my local affiliate, the North Carolina Triad Affiliate. We were there to meet with our representatives so that we could explain the need for increased cancer research funding and improved access to screening and treatment.



It is expected that a piece of comprehensive cancer legislation, intended to "reignite the war against cancer," will be introduced this summer. Developed by Senators Kennedy ( D-MA) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), the bill is known as as the Kennedy-Hutchison Cancer Legislation.

According to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance, here is what you can expect to find in this legislation:

(1) A greater investment in cancer research, particularly translational research.

(2) An emphasis on early detection.

(3) Improved access to cancer care for underserved populations. How? Among other things, by expanding access to clinical trials.


Go here to listen to an NPR interview with Senator Hutchison about this legislation. Keep in mind that this legislation is not exclusive to breast cancer; it is applicable to all cancers. Did you know that approximately 1500 Americans die from cancer every day? That 40 percent of all Americans will receive a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lifetime? (*)

Ricardo Antonio Chivara (Carlos on "Desperate Housewives") spoke at a press conference on the steps of Capitol Hill. His mother died of breast cancer when he was a teenager.
Photo credit: Carolyn Breese

Representatives from four North Carolina Komen Affiliates met with Senator Elizabeth Dole.
Photo Credit: Carolyn Breese

Thank goodness one of the women in my group had some pictures to share. My camera battery died and I discovered that my cell phone takes really lousy pictures. However, I am not nearly as short as I appear in that photo with Sen. Elizabeth Dole!! I was scrunched down so that we could fit everyone in. Between camera problems and driving into DC through a line of tornadoes, I can't say that the trip was exactly smooth. But all's well that ends well...On Saturday June 7 I did the National Race for the Cure with one of my best friends and 50,000 other folks. What an amazing experience: post coming soon.

(*) Stats from Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Komen in the Triad

For those of you in the Triad, our local Komen affiliate has launched a new blog.

Race day is coming!! I can't wait.


Edited to add that the race will be on Saturday May 3, 2008 in Winston-Salem, NC. Go to Komen's Triad Affiliate Web Site for details. I will be doing a more detailed post about the race later.