C3 Founder and Board Chair Nancy Roach has been invited to sit on the Department of Defense (DOD) Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) Integration Panel for a one-year term.  The PRCRP Integration Panel reviews research proposals that are submitted to the PRCRP program.

As a member of the Integration Panel, Ms. Roach will help with: (1) formulating a PRCRP vision and funding strategy that best addresses the research gaps for colorectal cancer; and (2) conducting a second-tier review of research proposals that are received by the US Army Medical Research and Material Command PRCRP program.

Ms. Roach issued the following statement after being invited to sit on the PRCRP Integration Panel: “It has long been a dream of mine to get funding through the Department of Defense for colorectal cancer research.  This new funding will support research efforts that investigate new methods of studying early detection, screening and treatment of colorectal cancer as well as attracting new researchers to the field.  It marks an important milestone in the fight against colorectal cancer with research on track to receive its fair share of federal resources, and I am honored to have been asked to sit on the PRCRP Integration Panel and have a role in setting the vision for the colorectal cancer research program.” Read the rest of this entry »

Today, C3 joined with twenty-one groups to send a letter to Congressional leaders about ways Congress can improve the final health care reform bill to make high quality and affordable health care available to cancer patients.

House and Senate Leadership were back at the White House today for another day-long negotiation session aimed at reconciling differences between the House-passed and Senate-passed bills.  President Obama is scheduled to met with Democrats this evening at the Democrats’ annual issues conference to talk about health care reform.

Congressional leaders are working to get a final compromise agreed to, and sent to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) by Friday.  CBO will need 10-15 days to analyze the bill and put together a cost estimate.  Members want to see a final cost estimate and analysis before voting on the package.

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March is quickly approaching, and now is the time to register for the 2010 Call-on Congress!

We already have a number of great speakers confirmed -

• Public relations expert Caitlin Carroll will be leading a breakout session on media advocacy.
• Dr. Jeffrey Chou will be speaking about the innovative research he has been doing with stem cells using a grant he received last year from C3′s Lisa Fund.
• Author and CRC survivor Brenda Elsagher will be talking about her battle with cancer.
• Donna Kimbark, PhD, PRCRP Program Manager, Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs IPA of Battelle Memorial Institute will update attendees regarding colorectal cancer research in the Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program and the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs.
• Dr. Laura Seeff, Acting Chief, Comprehensive Cancer Control Branch, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be talking about the program’s recent expansion and what is in store for 2010.

Register today, to hear from these and lots of other great speakers!

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After being diagnosed with colorectal cancer ten years ago, Mortimer Brown turned to support groups because as he says, “one of the things I discovered was people who became involved in support groups lived richer, fuller lives than those who did not.”

In October 2009, Mortimer and his wife, Marilyn, enjoyed a cruise on Holland America Line along with over 100 other passengers.  Mortimer’s involvement with support groups at home, lead him to contact C3 prior to his cruise for assistance in forming a support group for the Holland America Cruise Line.  C3 was happy to help Mortimer and provide him with the materials he needed to conduct his meeting.

After talking with C3, Mortimer started the process of reaching out to Holland America.  He spoke with several middle level managers at Holland America Line and although they were all enthusiastic about the idea they did not have the authority to approve such a request.  They suggested that he approach the person on the ship responsible for the daily schedule and pitch the idea to them.

Mortimer did just that and Holland America arranged for two sessions during his cruise – listing the event as “Survivors at Sea.”

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After 25 straight days of debate, by a vote of 60-39, today the Senate approved the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

In January, the House and Senate will begin the difficult task of reconciling the differences between the bills they have passed.

There are a number of provisions in both the House-passed and Senate-passed health care reform bills that will affect colorectal cancer patients.  Click here to see a chart outlining and comparing these provisions.

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