By Brenda McCain

Volunteer, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)
2018 Relay For Life Event Lead Natchitoches Parish

This month, I had the honor of representing Louisiana on Capitol Hill by traveling to Washington, D.C., with more than 700 of my fellow American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteers from across the country to urge Congress to make cancer a national priority.

Together, we called on Congress to support lifesaving policies that help people prevent and better treat cancer. We asked legislators for their support in increasing federal funding for cancer research, backing legislation to improve patient quality of life and removing cost barriers to colorectal cancer screenings for seniors.

When I met with Congressman Mike Johnson(R-LA), I told him that cancer is nonpartisan, and that Congress should seize the opportunity to pass critical legislation that can help end cancer as we know it.

I also let our lawmakers know that Louisiana residents and many others across the country rely on them to support legislation that will help reduce the cancer burden, potentially making cancer history. With more than 1,650 people dying from cancer every day, we must take legislative action on these important issues.

In honor and remembrance of cancer fighters across the country a ceremony was held with over 25,000 beautifully decorated luminaries placed around the reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. The ceremony was attended by thousands of visitors, many being cancer survivors or family members who have been touched by a cancer diagnosis.

I encourage you to join us, giving us a stronger and louder voice in the fight against cancer. Visit acscan.org to be connected to people like me in your community. If you would like to find out more about fighting back against cancer right here in Natchitoches, join us Sept. 28 at 5:30 pm in the NSU Ballroom on the Northwestern State University campus for the 2018 Relay For Life Kick Off Event. I am sure you can find a way to make a difference in the fight against cancer while you are there.