Discovering New Jersey Connections Over Breakfast

Editor’s note: After a diagnosis of Stage III rectal cancer in 2000, Deborah Kanter embarked on major life changes including earning a Masters Degree in Holistic Health Studies, and becoming active with C3. Last month she participated in her first Call-on Congress. During this advocacy experience she discovered some surprising connections with her Congressman and his staff.

“I’m from Paterson; I can handle anything,” Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ, 8th) informed the crowd of mostly seasoned politicos and health advocates at a March 21 question and answer breakfast. “I’m from Paterson; I can handle anything, including colorectal cancer,” I informed Pascrell, as I introduced myself. I followed with a 30 second summary of key funding and screening points. I trust he will remember; we are Paterson people–Great Falls, textiles, good bagels; that New Jersey toughness, that New Jersey heart.

As I surveyed the room prior to meeting Rep. Pascrell and trading advocacy concerns with others attending, I wondered if I would find my way among this group of seasoned politicos and advocates. This was my premier C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition advocacy stint. Would I be heard among this group of well-versed advocates? Yes! I relied on knowledge, passion and commitment to this life important cause. How glad I was that Joe Arite, C3 Policy and Grassroots Manager, also attended this breakfast!

Prior to Rep. Pascrell’s arrival, I spoke with his assistant, Charla Penn-McManus, who listened and responded intently. Upon learning that I was from Montclair, she said, “You should meet our Chief of Staff who is also from Montclair.” Later, the Chief of Staff, Benjamin Rich, walked in. My “second favorite moment,” then intensified. Benjamin and my son used to tuba jam years ago when they were both in high school!

No, I did not remind Benjamin Rich about youthful tuba days; however, a new connection was forged. I did remind him about the need for increased funding for the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute and the boost to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We compared the cost of a colonoscopy to a chemotherapy session. Our conversation made sense. He listened, I listened to his summary of Rep. Pascrell’s health efforts and added that if I need anything, to email or call. I will.

This experience solidified my commitment to advocacy. I found so many connections in one room and a new favorite moment to join the rest during this most exciting, energizing Call-on Congress. These moments will evolve into hours; I am ready for more!

Posted by Deborah Kanter on April 3rd, 2007
Posted in: Policy & Advocacy News | 2 Comments »

Take Action to Support HR 1738 for Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment

C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition is pleased to help announce the introduction of the Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Act of 2007 (HR 1738).

The legislation, sponsored by United States Representatives Kaye Granger (R-TX) and Albert Wynn (D-MD), was formally announced at an event on March 28, 2007 marking National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. C3 joined the event along with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation (CRPF) and Hadassah to show our combined support for the bill.

“With 52,000 Americans expected to die from colorectal cancer in 2007 alone; it is vital that we begin to properly invest in research, prevention and treatment in order to save lives,” said Carlea Bauman, Executive Director of C3: The Colorectal Cancer Coalition. “Colorectal cancer patients have been neglected for too long, but through legislation like this, we will see progress against this terrible disease.”

This bi-partisan legislation would establish a program administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and would authorize $50 million in funding for grants to the states. The grants would be used to conduct programs to provide vital colon cancer screenings, information and follow-up services to those ages 50-64, with a focus on those most at risk, such as low-income, uninsured and underinsured men and women.

Read the press release announcing the introduction of this legislation.

Click here to tell your Representative to vote for this legislation by sending him/her an email through our action center!

Posted by Joe Arite on March 29th, 2007
Posted in: Policy & Advocacy News | 3 Comments »

Senators Specter (R-PA) and Harkin (D-IA) Offer Amendment to Increase Cancer Funding – TAKE ACTION NOW

Senator Specter (R-PA) and Senator Harkin (D-IA) offered a Budget Amendment on Wednesday proposing a $2.2 billion increase for health programs in America. A vote is expected as early as Friday, March 23rd.

WE MUST ACT TODAY!!

This Amendment will help to secure funds for cancer research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and for cancer programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including the Colorectal Cancer Screening, Education, and Outreach Initiative.

Please contact your Senators RIGHT NOW and urge them to vote in favor of this amendment.

Follow this link to email your Senators directly through our website.

Posted by Joe Arite on March 22nd, 2007
Posted in: Policy & Advocacy News | 1 Comment »

Use the Phone on March 20 to Help Those Going to Capitol Hill

March 20, colon and rectal cancer advocates from around the country will be be on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC as a part of Call-on Congress. Those not making Congressional office visits can still get on the phone to Capitol Hill.

We want you to make three short phone calls — one to each Senator’s office and one to your Representative’s office — sometime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, March 20. It’s not hard — and it can make a world of difference for colorectal cancer research and screening funding. In other words, your call will help to save lives!

Below are step-by-step instructions and a script for what to say on March 20…

First, phone 1-202-224-3121. This is the Capitol Switchboard number for all Senate and House offices. Ask to be connected to Senator (or Representative)                        [give their last name and state, such as "Senator Schumer from New York"]. The switchboard will connect you, and a receptionist in that office will answer.

Remember to call between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday.

You will repeat the instructions below for all three phone calls, one to each Senator and one to your Representative.

When connected, say:

“I am (first name) (last name) from (city/town) and I would like to speak with the staffperson who handles health issues. I wish to speak briefly to them about colorectal cancer funding.”

The receptionist will connect you either to the health staffperson or to their voicemail. Do not be discouraged if you get voicemail…still leave a message as if you had spoken with someone.

Precisely What to Say When You Phone, Tuesday, March 20:

“My name is (first name) (last name) and I am from (city/town). I’m calling today because of my concern that colorectal cancer has not received the funding it needs from Congress.” If you wish to say IN ONE SENTENCE what your connection is to colorectal cancer, do it here.

“I want to urge Senator / Representative (name to make colorectal cancer a priority for federal funding so that we can win the war against this dread disease. I need [him or her] to support a 6.7% increase at the National Cancer Institute in order to begin turning around the problem we have with decreasing research dollars for colorectal cancer. I also need [him or her] to support a $10 million increase to the Colorectal Cancer Screening, Education, and Outreach program at the Centers for Disease Control. By supporting this funding for NCI and CDC, lives will be saved!”

If you are speaking to a staffperson, ask if they believe “their boss” will support these necessary increases. Feel free to have a brief conversation with them before you end with, “I and colorectal cancer patients and families are counting on you. Thank you very much.”

If you leave a voicemail, end by giving your name (again), phone number, and email address and ask that they reply to you about whether “their boss” will be supporting these necessary increases. Close by saying, “I and colorectal cancer patients and families are counting on you. Thank you very much.”

You should repeat this procedure and this script until both of your Senators and your one Representative have been called.

When you have finished all three calls, let us know how it went by visiting this page on our website, fill out the form and submit.

C3 and colorectal cancer patients and families are counting on your! Thank you!

Posted by Dusty Weaver on March 16th, 2007
Posted in: Policy & Advocacy News | 2 Comments »

Washington State House Passes CRC Screening Mandate

The Washington State House passed a bill, HB 1337, which requires insurance coverage for colon and rectal cancer screening. The roll call vote was 83 yeas, 13 nays, and 2 excused. The bill was sent to the Senate where it was refered to the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.

The House Committee on Health Care & Wellness in its report on the bill said beginning July 1, 2008 HB 1337 requires:

“…disability insurance contracts and health benefit plans to cover colorectal cancer examinations and laboratory tests constistent with the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendatons or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.”

The report also said:

“Coverage must be provided for the screening and tests at the frequency identified in the guidelines or recommendations, as deemed appropriate by the patient’s physician after patient consultation. These benefits must be provided to individuals at least 50 years old and to those who are under age 50 if they are at high risk or very high risk for colorectal cancer according to the screening guidelines or recommendations.”

The bill is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care March 22 at 10:00 am (Pacific time). This is subject to change.

According to the 2007 Colorectal Cancer Legislation Report Card, Washington received an “F” because the state does not have “legislation that requires insurance providers to cover preventative colorectal cancer screenings.” If you are a resident of Washington you have to opportunity to change this to an “A” by calling your state Senator and tell him or her to vote “yes” on HB 1337.

Posted by Dusty Weaver on March 16th, 2007
Posted in: Policy & Advocacy News | No Comments »