Today was a BIG day. I mean a really BIG day.

We walked up and down long white hallways. Searching for the right offices, we passed American and state flags secured next to plaques with the names of our Congress men and women.

With our t-shirts on, blue bags strapped across our bodies and hands full of folders to deliver – we hit the Hill. And those on the hill noticed.

The girls on Hill staff wearing the cute dress suits said so themselves. Put over 80 CRC advocates on Capitol Hill – we’re sure to turn some heads!

While I want to describe every detail and paint a picture of what happened, I’ll leave you with my three main takeaways as someone new to the Call-on Congress:

1. There are members of Congress who fight for us and champion our cause!
2. Funding for health and medical research should be a bipartisan issue.
3. Never wear heels if you plan to advocate all day on Capitol Hill.

I’ll explain later.

Congressional Champions in our Court

Survivors, caregivers and advocates – be encouraged! Today we met with many leaders who support our cause. Because for some of them – it hits home.

• Congressman Charlie Dent‘s late brother-in-law was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in February 2010.
• Congressmen Jim McGovern’s wife’s best friend from college was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer.
• Congressman Donald Payne‘s father (who served in Congress) passed away from colorectal cancer one year ago.

These three men in particular champion the fight against colorectal cancer in Congress. There are many other members who we met with today who “get it” now, too.

Many leaders support our cause and pledged to help us. We hope to see this support play out when it comes to co-sponsoring H.R. 1070 and supporting funding for the CDC.

Medical issues should be bipartisan

I sat amongst advocates and took notes as we presented an award to Congressman Jim McGovern – our 2013 Congressional Champion Award winner. As I admired his unique office decor – ranging from pennants of state colleges, ‘no more hunger’ posters and children’s artwork – it hit me.

I had no clue if he was a republican or democrat.

And honestly – it didn’t matter.

The issues we took to the Hill do not favor one side or the other. They favor the health of the voters and the best interest of the American public.

All politics aside – good policy took the stage today.

Never wear heels to the Call-on Congress

Ladies – you can thank me next year in case you try to make the same mistake I did today. Go for the flats – the heels are just not worth it.

Congressional offices are spread out amongst several buildings which means a long day of walking, stairs and elevators. After awhile the concrete floors get to you, especially in pumps. No pain, no gain – right?

And while I say that nonchalantly, it actually hits a deeper chord.

I’ve been through a lot worse than “I-wore-the-wrong-shoes” discomfort. The journey that led me to walk those halls today was much more painful.

But what I realized is that sometimes – pain is what it takes to see gain.

Tears rolled down Representative Payne’s face today as he told us about his father’s journey with colorectal cancer.

But it’s those tears of pain that lit the fire under Congressman Payne to support the fight against colorectal cancer. It’s those same tears that brought us to DC this week.

None of us like the circumstances that motivated us to come to Call-on Congress. But I’m so proud to stand amongst many others that pushed through the pain today.

Those who opened their wounds in order to create opportunities for others. Those who channeled their experience with colorectal cancer into advocacy that demands change.

Today, we let go of the pain in order to see legislative gain.

I couldn’t be more proud of this gang.

So tonight – we’re propping our feet up. A celebration dinner is underway.

And after tomorrow, I might or might not ever wear heels again.

Goooooooood morning!

Today is a big day. Our advocates at the 2013 Call-on Congress head to Capitol Hill. Meetings with senators, house representatives and subcommittee members abound!

It’s going to be a great day!

Not so fast… we need YOUR help.

Yes – you… if you’re reading this post, we’re talking to YOU.

Please help us boost the power of our advocates on the Hill today. We’ve got big priorities and big asks – and there’s a particular issue we need your help with.

Most likely – colorectal cancer impacted your life, or the life of your loved one.

So get involved in the fight with us today.

Here’s the scoop:

• Please call 1-866-615-3375

• Enter your zip code – you will be directed to your representative

• Tell them your name and where you are from

• Tell them:  You want them to support and co-sponsor the HR 1070 act (eliminates co-pays for screening colonoscopies in Medicare patients)

Your call will help us boost the message that colonoscopy screening should be available to millions.

If you don’t call and help us put colorectal cancer on the map … nobody will.

So call today!

Not so fast…

Before you go, a few things to remember:

• You will be calling your House of Representatives member.
• You can help spread the word – encourage others in your household, workplace, dinner party – whatever – to call in and vote.
• This will only take a few minutes of your time.

“The voices of people pulling together have got to be louder than the voice of those people pulling us apart.” – Martin B. Gold, MPA, JD

Call today – help us take the next step in our fight against colorectal cancer!

After you call – tweet at us and let us know you joined the fight!

I’ve never served in the military but I can only imagine what soldiers go through the night before they leave for deployment or battle.

Years of training and preparation lead up to the big day. It’s the military-version of starring on Broadway. It must feel similar to tonight – the hours before we hit the Hill during the Call-on Congress.

The fight against colorectal cancer feels like war sometimes. Battle after battle (or doctor’s visits, scans, surgeries and procedures) create a war on many fronts… whether you’re the patient in the hospital bed or the loved one holding their hand.

But after a day like today’s Call-on Congress, those of us in the fight feel like soldiers.

We’re prepped and ready to take action when it comes to legislation. We understand after today that Capitol Hill needs to get involved if we are going to win this war.

And tomorrow, it’s time to show them why.

Recognizing the research at stake

Yesterday we heard an overview of the importance of research. We received encouragement to channel our passion into advocacy. (Read the Monday recap.)

Today, we got into the nitty-gritty.

Clinical trials offer hope

Dr. Johanna Bendell (Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology Research at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute) delivered a presentation that:

• Explained the advancements in clinical trials and potential treatments on the horizon.
• Emphasized the importance of clinical trials.
• Offered explanations to big concepts in the colorectal cancer world in terms of biomarkers, pathway signaling, inhibitors, gene expressions and more.

Ultimately, she offered passionate insight into colorectal cancer research and treatment options. She injected hope that life-saving therapies sit on the horizon as research continues to receive funding and evolve.

Check out all of the slides to Dr. Bendell’s presentation

Survivorship studies involve millions

Andrea Dwyer (Project Director for the Colorado Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network) followed Dr. Bendell with insights into survivorship research. She showed the crowd:

• A population created by 1 million colorectal cancer survivors and the near 13 million cancer survivors.
• Efforts of researchers studying the transition from active treatment to survivorship.
• Benefits of a cancer registry.
• The impact of budget cuts on survivor research.

Andi encouraged a crowd of survivors and families that resources from survivorship studies will become available with ongoing survivor research.

Check out Andi’s presentation slides.

An Afternoon of Advocacy

Survivors swimming in the details after a morning of powerful presentations knew the clear message of our efforts:  We NEED research in order to find a cure for colorectal cancer. We NEED federal funding.

Fired up with facts (and a good dose of hope), we learned how to best deliver this information to Congress for the remainder of the afternoon.

Advocates sat through discussions, presentations and break-out sessions that discussed topics like:

• The Research Process
• The Legislative Process
• Importance of Engaging in Networks
• In-depth review of 2013 Legislative Priorities
• How to Prepare for the Hill
• How to tell our Stories and Prepare for Pushback
• How Congress Really Works

Thanks again to all of the speakers who participated:

• Nancy Roach (Chair & Founder of Fight Colorectal Cancer)
• Andi Dwyer (Project Director for the Colorado Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network)
• Dan Dixon, PhD (Associate Professor at the University of Kansas Cancer Center)
• Mary Doroshenk (Director of National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable)
• Camille Bonta (Fight Colorectal Cancer Policy Expert)
• Carlea Bauman (President of Fight Colorectal Cancer)
• Anjee Davis (VP of Programs for Fight Colorectal Cancer)
• Michael Sola (VP of Operations for Fight Colorectal Cancer)
• Devin James (CEO of Devin James Group)
• Christoper Kush (President of Soapbox Consulting)
• Martin B. Gold, MPA, JD

We’re Ready for the Hill

A packed agenda of research and policy meetings made for a long day.

But we did get cupcakes in the middle of the afternoon. How sweet.

Tonight, we soak in the policies. Rehearse our stories. Recite the “asks.” Take deep breaths.

Because tomorrow… it’s showtime.

We’re ready to ask for change when it comes to fighting colorectal cancer and federal funds.

We’re here to demand a cure.

Connect With Fight Colorectal Cancer

Want to see more from Day Two – 2013 Call-on Congress?

Read our Twitter and check out Facebook.

Look for hashtag #ConC2013 or tags from @FightCRC

Share your story on the One Million Strong blog and take the One Million Strong pledge.

A small group of advocates from Virgina sat in a circle. Tasked with telling their stories, each took turns explaining what led them to the 2013 Call-on Congress.

A girlfriend of a survivor who passed away several years ago kicked off with her story.

Then two colorectal cancer survivors chimed in.

A Fight Colorectal Cancer staff member explained what led her to taking a job at the organization.

And then, the circle got quiet.

As a young woman sitting next to me tried to speak, her eyes welled up and tears streamed down her face. Although she never managed to tell her story, we all knew she came in memory of someone dearly loved.

Someone who fought colorectal cancer. Someone who’s story is about to be told on Capitol Hill this week.

“If you are not taking up time with your members of Congress, nobody would be. Nobody up on Capitol Hill would be talking about colorectal cancer.” – Carlea Bauman, President of Fight Colorectal Cancer

Research Saves Lives and Money

We kicked off the 2013 Call-on Congress with a brief overview of the federal budget.

Way to start in lightly, huh?

But our presenter, Max Bronstein, MPP, from Research!America did a fabulous job of simplifying the complex system and process we face.

Max explained the federal budget, federal spending and the importance of allocating funds to medical research. Some of his main points and highlights included:

• The public is EXTREMELY supportive of medical research.
• The National Institute of Health (NIH) receives less than 1% of the federal budget.
• Current-day sequestration is cutting programs invested in cancer research.
• The budget crisis is creating a very challenging environment for researchers who run massive research programs without knowing their budgets.
• We should urge Congress to compromise and make a long-standing deal.

Check out the slides from Max Bronstein’s presentation.

Max ended with great encouragement to our team of colorectal cancer advocates:

• Advocacy is patriotic.
• We are ALL patients.
• Research needs you. (Research is in big trouble right now and faces the biggest threat it’s ever seen. If we’re not out there advocating for federal funds to go to research, the problem will get worse.)
• The right advocate at the right time can make a HUGE impact.
• Advocacy determines priorities.

“Congress determines what’s important by hearing from constituents. Advocacy determines priorities.” Max Bronstein, MPP, Research!America

We are Winning.

Max clued us into the reality (and crisis) of research funding and how it relates to colorectal cancer.

Rodrick Samuels – he got us fired up.

As the owner of Profile Barber Institute & CRC advocate, he gave an energetic presentation that included “repeat after me’s,” and audience participation. (Oh – and he happened to throw in a lesson on how to properly describe hair-cutting scissors … I mean shears.)

A passionate man honoring his late mother through his efforts, Rodrick showed the crowd how anyone can channel their passion and position for disease advocacy.

He encouraged everyone to remember:

• We are winning. We are strong.
• What we push for makes dollars and sense.
• We will comb for a cure and cut out colorectal cancer.

“There is nothing in this world I can’t do nothing about – even if it’s adjusting myself in an unpleasant situation so it doesn’t steal my spirit.” – Rodrick Samuels

What an awesome speaker to get us fired up!

Wrapping up Day One

A mix-and-mingle with cocktails and dinner filled the evening. Advocates swapped more stories and found common bonds with one another. An encouragement from Mike McConnell (father-in-law of Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley) rounded out the evening.

Goosebumps lined our arms by the time Mike finished his impromptu speech.

Heading into tomorrow…

As many echoed throughout the day, the Call-on Congress is more than a set of meetings and training. It’s an introduction into a new family.

Whether we’re here for ourselves, the survivor in our lives or the loved one whose memory still brings us to tears, one thing is clear after today-

We are strong.

We will make sure Congress knows all about us.

Connect With Fight Colorectal Cancer this Week

Want to see more from Day One – 2013 Call-on Congress?

Read our Twitter and check out Facebook.

Look for hashtag #ConC2013 or tags from @FightCRC

Share your story on the One Million Strong blog and take the One Million Strong pledge.

Jennifer Bretsch – Alexandria, Virginia

by Carlene Canton

Jennifer Bretsch lost her friend Shawn Felty to colon cancer when he was only 39 years old. His fight, his grace and his courage inspired her and changed her life.

Shawn was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer and fought valiantly for two years. Jennifer was by his side through the surgeries and chemotherapy. She encouraged him, researched treatments, and attended many of his appointments.

Shawn passed away two years after his diagnosis. After his death, Jennifer felt compelled to find a way to continue fighting for improvements in education, awareness, screening, research and funding that would make a difference. Because Shawn had Crohn’s Disease, a condition that put him at higher risk for colorectal cancer, Jennifer wanted to work with an organization that researched risk factors as well as treatment options. With a background in national health care initiatives she knew she wanted to work with an organization that was passionate, credible and responsible.

“I did my homework” she says. “And when I looked at Fight Colorectal Cancer I saw immediately how well organized this group was and the difference it was making. I saw that the organization was an excellent steward of its financial resources. It was smart and forward looking, and it was attracting passionate advocates, patients, and survivors.” She made arrangements to take part in her first Call-on Congress in 2010.

“I was tentative,” she recalls. “I was not at all sure I was comfortable going to legislators and telling my story. But I discovered that when you’re locked arm- in- arm with other advocates taking life-saving messages to elected officials with the goal of bringing about change, it’s very powerful.  Colorectal cancer is preventable but awareness is essential. When you hear so many stories about people like Shawn who did everything they were supposed to do and still died from this disease it’s gut wrenching.”

Now 3 years later, Jennifer, 39, sits on Fight Colorectal Cancer’s Grassroots Advocacy Committee** and serves as a mentor, reaching out to others coming to Call-on Congress for the first time.

“I find myself going back to my first experience and those first emotions,” she says. “I tell the newcomers that within hours of arriving they will meet and bond with other advocates in a way they may not have ever done before. And within a very short time they will know that joining with Fight Colorectal Cancer is one of the best decisions they have ever made.”

She says that, knowing full well that many of the advocates are active patients and survivors – and she is not. And yet, she feels immensely welcomed. “All the patients and survivors that take part have someone like me in their lives and they clearly and dearly appreciate my efforts. I have made so many friends.”

“Now when I go to Call-on Congress it’s not just for Shawn,” Jennifer says. “It’s for all the people I have met along the way, like Rose and Eric Hausmann, Tom Foeller, Cindy Robinson, and the late Kate Murphy and Erica Paul. And I realize that meeting them, knowing them, is the continuing gift of having known Shawn. The satisfaction that I am making a difference is Shawn’s ongoing gift to me.”

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**The Grassroots Action Committee is the catalyst of our grassroots advocate community, and helps Fight Colorectal Cancer achieve our strategic goals and objectives by empowering grassroots advocates across the country. These active volunteers serve a one-year term and help us achieve our strategic goals and objectives.

Committee members are selected via an application process and must have attended the Call-on Congress. If you are interested in learning more about the Grassroots Action Committee or serving on the Committee contact us.

Have a question or need more information about ways to get involved? You can contact any member of the Grassroots Action Committee by emailing Advocacy@FightCRC.org.