When I was a high school student I went to hear Margaret Mead speak at the University of Delaware. I realized that day, my single voice could make a difference. Her quote is on my bulletin board today; "never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has." Relationships with lawmakers can play a critical role in supporting issues that you care about. Each and every one of us can make a difference.

The events of September 11th and the war on terrorism present new fiscal challenges for lawmakers. Congress now faces a budget battle on all fronts. It is imperative once again that the United States not retreat from its role as the world leader in cancer research and treatment.

February 6, 2002, was Nationwide Lobby Day for the American Cancer Society. A representative from each of the 50 states met in Washington, DC, to meet with lawmakers. I was one of 3 volunteers representing Washington State. I have been part of the Von Hippel-Lindau research protocol at the NIH for the past 9 years. Three surgeries have been performed at the NIH. The fact is, the NIH has been my life line. I truly believe without the NIH I wouldn’t be here today; therefore I feel it is important to do everything within my power to support the war against cancer.

Can you make a difference? You bet! These are issues that affect us all, and are supported by both major political parties. Read up on the following and make your own voice heard! What I have chosen to do is to ask my legislators to take the following actions:

Increase investment for cancer research and application programs.

Complete the five-year doubling of the NIH budget by providing $27.3 billion to NIH in FY 2003, and continue expanding the investment in conquering cancer when that doubling is complete.

Fund NCI at $5.69 billion, the level proposed by its Director in the NCI’s Bypass Budget.

Increase access to cancer care, prevention and awareness programs.

Enact legislation that assures access to clinical trials; advance legislation that eliminates barriers to cancer screening tests and support programs that increase awareness and prevention of cancer.

Co-sponsor legislation (HR 1520 or S 710) intro-duced by Senators Jesse Helms (R-NC) and Edward Kennedy (D-MA) that would ensure private insurance coverage of the full range of colorectal cancer screening options, according to ACS guidelines.

Sustain increases for vital cancer outreach, awareness and screening programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Reduce health disparities among minorities and the medically underserved.

Ethnic minority and medically underserved communities are disproportionately affected by cancer. They are more likely to develop and die of cancer than any other group. Fund the National Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD) at the NIH at $199.6 million.

And last, let’s see the Patient’s Bill of Right’s enacted this Congress.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of one in every 4 Americans. The good news is that more Americans are surviving the disease more than ever before. Almost nine million Americans alive today have a history of cancer!! This is twice the number of survivors compared with 30 years ago. We can win the war and you can make a difference!! Contact your lawmakers today.

As printed in the VHL Family Forum 10:1, March 2002. For permission to reprint, please contact VHL Family Alliance, editor@vhl.org.