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.

Call-on Congress harnesses the passion of those impacted by colorectal cancer and helps them make a difference when it comes to the law.

Some of us come as survivors. Others of us sign up as caregivers, widows, researchers, physicians, friends and family. (See some of the reasons the 2013 attendees signed up!)

Regardless of our relationship with the disease, we all fight for the same thing:  a cure. Fight Colorectal Cancer’s 2013 Call-on Congress takes us one step further to that goal.

As the 80+ attendees pack their bags this week and prepare to ascend on Capitol Hill, take a look at what’s in store for the 2013 Call-on Congress.

Inspiration from those United in a Cure

Attendees receive two days of training before the “big day” on on Capitol Hill arrives. Speakers will cover a range of topics that unite the group, motivate to get behind a cure and teach each participant how to tell their story.

An amazing team of speakers will present:

• Welcome to Call on Congress, Carlea Bauman, President of Fight Colorectal Cancer
• Advocates are Breaking New Ground, Max G. Bronstein, MPP, Research!America
• The Power of One, Rodrick Samuels, owner of Profile Barber Institute & CRC advocate
• Your Roadmap to Colorectal Cancer Research facilitated by Dan Dixon, PhD, University of Kansas Medical Center highlighting:

• Colorectal Cancer Treatment: How is it moving forward by Johanna Bendell MD, Director of the Gastrointestinal Oncology Research at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute
• Survivorship: What is the role of research after treatment by Andrea (Andi) Dwyer, Project Director for the Colorado Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN)
• What’s the destination? A role for advocates by Nancy Roach, Chair & Founder of Fight Colorectal Cancer

Training on the legislative process

Most attending the 2013 Call-on Congress do not lobby Congress regularly! That’s why an outstanding team of experts will teach and train our advocates about the in’s and out’s of the system and how to make a difference.

• Meeting Logistics and Advocacy 101
• In-depth Review of 2013 Legislative Priorities by Camille Bonta, Fight Colorectal Cancer Policy Expert
  • Discuss our legislative asks/ priorities
  • What are key cost issues and impact of budget cuts
• Preparing You for the Hill by Christopher Kush, President Soapbox Consulting
• In-depth Review & Question and Answer by Camille Bonta, Fight Colorectal Cancer Policy Expert
• How Congress really works: in practice, not in theory by Martin B. Gold, MPA, JD

Discussions to let it all sink in

Experts will lead discussion groups to help attendees process the information and gain further insight:

• Discussion 1: Understanding the Research Process (Experts:  Andi Dwyer, Project Director for the Colorado Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN) and Dan Dixon, PhD, Associate Professor at the University of Kansas

• Goal:  Discuss the current research landscape, cost of research, and the importance of advocacy in colorectal cancer research funding.

• Discussion 2: Understanding the Legislative Process (Experts: Mary Doroshenk, Director, National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, Camille Bonta, Fight Colorectal Cancer Policy Expert and Carlea Bauman, President of Fight Colorectal Cancer)

• Goal: Discuss how to influence elected officials, what are key policy issues, and how can you engage legislative initiatives year around.

• Discussion 3: How Can You Engage Your Own Networks (Experts: Anjee Davis, VP of Programs for Fight Colorectal Cancer,  Michael Sola, VP of Operations for Fight Colorectal Cancer and Devin James, CEO of Devin James Group)

• Goal: Discuss how you can promote colorectal cancer education to your networks (community members, medical professionals, etc.)

The United Behind a Cure Congressional Call-In

On the final day – Wednesday,  March 20 – we pack our bags and head for the Hill.

Attendees will meet with elected officials – some with lawmakers – to share their experience and push for legislative change.

Call on March 20, 2013

The cool thing? EVERYONE can participate to make sure the message is heard!

On Wednesday, March 20, call your representative to voice your support of legislative changes our advocates will talk about – be a part of a national advocacy event . . .

Fun? Of course there’s fun!

Our group is unique – we think talking about colon health and lawmaking is fun!

But, we will also participate in activities like dinners, “Mix & Mingles,” interactive sessions and a Celebration Dinner on the final night to round out the week.

Advocates and congressmen, get ready.

We demand a cure for colorectal cancer and will arrive in DC next week prepared to explain how changes to the law will help our goal.