Advocates to meet with their Members of Congress and urge support of HR 1189
ALEXANDRIA, VA – March 20, 2009 - On Tuesday March 24th, 65 colorectal cancer advocates from throughout the country will head to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC to “Call on Congress” in an effort to fight colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer deaths in America.
C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition (C3), a nonprofit advocacy organization based in Alexandria, VA, will host the 65 advocates for three days, March 22nd – 25th, as part of its annual Call-on Congress grassroots advocacy training. The event will train and prepare colorectal cancer advocates – patients, survivors and caregivers – on how to have the most successful meetings possible with their elected officials. On Tuesday, March 24th, they will take what they learned to the halls of Congress, armed with information, state-specific colorectal cancer statistics and a call to action: support colorectal cancer legislation that will save money and save lives.
While in Washington, each advocate will have the chance to sit down and speak face to face with the staff of both of their Senators as well as their Representative, to ask them to support The Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Act (HR 1189). The legislation, if passed, would create a National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program which will help thousands of poor, uninsured and underinsured Americans get lifesaving screenings.
“C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition is thrilled that these patients, caregivers and survivors will be joining us in Washington, D.C. to call on Congress,” said Carlea Bauman, President of C3. “Colorectal cancer advocates who speak up and demand a change in current colorectal cancer policy make a major difference in the fight against this disease.”
Congressional Butt-In, March 31st
C3 understands that not all advocates are able to make it to Washington, DC and wants to be sure that everyone has the opportunity to have their voice heard. On March 31st, C3 will sponsor the Congressional Butt-In which is a one-day phone blitz to Capitol Hill. By calling 866-615-3375, callers are directed to their local Representative and each of their Senators. Upon reaching the Member’s office, the caller is able to urge their Senator/Representative to support this legislation. The caller only has to make one call and their efforts could help establish a National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program and save lives. More information is available at www.CoverYourButt.org.
C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition (C3) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization whose mission is to win the fight against colorectal cancer through research, empowerment and access. Founded in 2005 in order to provide focus, infrastructure and support to the growing colorectal cancer advocacy movement, C3 pushes for research to improve screening, diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer; advocates for policy decisions that make the most effective colorectal cancer prevention and treatment available to all; and works to increase awareness that colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Joe Arite, C3 Director of Policy
Phone: (703) 548-1225, ext. 12
Email: joe.arite@fightcolorectalcancer.org
Carlea Bauman, C3 President
Phone: (703) 548-1225, ext. 11
Email: carlea.bauman@fightcolorectalcancer.org
Ben Basloe, C3 Director of Development
Phone: (703) 548-1225, ext. 17
Email: ben.basloe@fightcolorectalcancer.org
March 20, 2009 at 9:55 pm, Deborah Kanter said:
I am so proud to be among the advocates! There is power in numbers and power in the passion which often comes from direct experience with colorectal cancer.
I will advocate for all of us; everyone should have the right to be screened for evidence of cancer. Free screening,if required is ethically, medically, and humanely needed here in the US.
If there were free/low cost screening available in the US nine years ago, Stage III colorectal cancer would perhaps not have been such a significant part of my life.
However, I am fortunate to be well and to be able to advocate again this year.