Colorectal cancer advocates from around the country joined together tonight for three days of trainings and strategizing that will culminate in meetings with their Members of Congress on Capitol Hill.
Advocates from every corner of the country traveled to Washington, DC, in support of legislation that will create a National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program – something that is desperately needed if we are to make colorectal cancer a disease that is no more deadly than the common cold.
“I’m so excited to be here again – this is my third Call-on Congress!” stated Marilia Sardinha, a C3 advocate from Maine. “It is wonderful to see this many people who are so committed and passionate about this disease that they would fly cross-country to join the fight.”
The advocates have two long days ahead of them. Tomorrow, March 23rd, they will receive training from professionals in grassroots advocacy and colorectal cancer policy. They will also hear from Representative Jim Moran (D-VA), who will speak to them about the importance of elected officials hearing from their constituents on issues that are important to them.
From Left, Mandy Nelson, Amy Klobuchar, Lisa Sanderson, Cindy Iverson & Brenda Elsagher.
On Tuesday, March 24th, they will take what they have learned to meetings with their own legislators – their two senators and representative – to make the case for the passage of HR 1189, the Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Act, as well as legislation that would create a colorectal cancer research program at the Department of Defense.
Stay tuned for updates from Call-on Congress 2009, or follow the Call-on Congress fun on Twitter!
-Written by Joe Arite