Published 9/1/2006
Omaha World Herald Public Pulse Article
Unfortunately, many people have experienced the devastation caused by cancer. Personally, my father (deceased) and my mother and sister (both survivors) have been diagnosed and treated.
Next month, I will join 10,000 people who will converge on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for Celebration on the Hill 2006, asking Congress to make cancer a national priority.
Last week, U.S. Rep. Lee Terry was urged by volunteers for the American Cancer Society to sign the Congressional Cancer Promise. He immediately signed. The promise is that he will do his part to (1) make health system reform a priority, (2) elevate prevention, early detection and survivorship, (3) increase our commitment to research and (4) expand access to care.
To read the promise and see who else has signed, visit the Internet at acscan.
Nebraskans should thank Rep. Terry and ask him to fight hard for sizeable increases in federal funding for cancer research and associated programs, such as the Centers for Disease Control's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which is set to expire at the end of the year.
The priority of the war on cancer needs to be substantially raised.
Gloria Kramer, OmahaView this story at omaha.com