While doing some research on the Senate’s website I had occasion to go to the site of Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). One of the menu items was an archive of her newsletters so went to see what was there. I opened the one dated September 22, 2006 more out of curiosity than anything else and I’m glad I did.
The lead article was titled “Murkowski Meets with Alaskans at American Caner [sic] Society Rally.” I know cancer was misspelled but that is not the point.
Celebration on the Hill (COTH) had such impact on Sen. Murkowski she mentioned it in her newsletter. The number of people present on the door step of the Capitol would get the attention of anyone. It was not just the number but the informed passion which was present.
The article even mentioned the Ceremony of Hope. The reflecting pool on the west side of the Capitol was surrounded by luminaries, sometimes three deep. Each one was either in honor of or in memory of someone affected by cancer. It helped put a face on cancer.
The article also included a photo of the Senator with COTH participants and a link to the American Cancer Society website.
I’ve not checked the sites of the other 534 Members of Congress but my guess is that COTH’s effect was not limited to Sen. Murkowski.
We have the attention of Congress. Those of us affected by colon and rectal cancer need to join with others in the general cancer community to do everything possible to keep this attention and to do something useful while we have it.
Click here to read Sen. Murkowski’s September 22, 2006 newsletter.
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