Rally for More Funds in Cancer Research

Over 10,000 people gathered in Washington, DC, Wednesday to demand more funds for cancer research and prevention. Cancer survivor, Kathi Hansen traveled to the rally in Washington.

She said, "On the one hand, it's sad to know that cancer touches so many people, but on the other hand, it's empowering to see that there are so many people willing to volunteer, give their time and their energy to fight this." According to Hansen since the previous American Cancer Society rally in Washington in 2002, cancer treatment has advanced, but these advances were not enough.

She said,"I lost my hair to chemotherapy. I lost my breasts to surgery. But I didn't lose my life, thanks to the progress we've made with research, and that's what I want to see more of so that we can end cancer."

Hansen is one of thousands of ambassadors from every congressional district in the country. "It's just a huge, energetic event. I'm so excited to be part of it."

Along with others from Northeastern Wisconsin on Wednesday she will be meeting with Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold and Congressman Mark Green.

She said, "We're here to tell them that we care about these issues and we vote... so we want them to care about them, too."

The main goal of the group is to get Congress to pass laws putting more money toward cancer research. In addition they are also demanding more funding for early cancer detection programs for underinsured women.

Hansen says, "Cancer touches everyone in one way or another, either personally, through family, through your coworkers, and I think having a cross-section of real people here sends that message."



Source: Medindia
NLA