| Dear Lynn, As I write to you now, more than 190 volunteers, including 20 Komen advocates, are on Capitol Hill. This time they are meeting with members of Congress – including yours – about key cancer funding priorities proposed in the federal budget. Help back up our on-the-ground efforts. Write your legislators NOW and urge them to include vital cancer initiatives in the 2010 budget. Our advocates are in Washington as part of One Voice Against Cancer, a broad coalition of cancer organizations – including the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Advocacy Alliance – representing millions of Americans in the fight against cancer. We have made momentous strides and seen life-saving advances since the U.S. declared war on cancer in 1971. Yet, each year, cancer still costs the U.S. more than $228 billion and claims almost 565,000 lives. Today's activities in Washington, D.C., present a crucial opportunity to make our voices heard on behalf of all Americans whose lives are affected by cancer. But to make sure it's a success, we need you to show Congress there is strong grassroots support for this funding. Back up our efforts from home – click here to urge your members of Congress to support cancer funding priorities in the federal budget. Coalition volunteers from 18 different organizations are meeting with 185 members of Congress, urging support for key cancer funding priorities: - Increased investments in science and research. The economic stimulus package boosted funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Cancer Institute (NCI). While this reverses a six-year trend of declining budgets, this temporary investment must be made permanent in next year's federal budget.
- Closing the gap in access to early detection services. Current funding for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program allows fewer than one in five eligible women to be screened for cancer. Additional funding will help thousands more women receive potentially life-saving screening services.
- Helping patients navigate the U.S. health care system. The Patient Navigator Program helps patients navigate the often complex and confusing health care system. This important program helps coordinate care between general practitioners, radiologists, oncologists and others. However, under-funding threatens this key component in care and treatment for cancer.
Recently, President Obama pledged to launch an effort to seek out the cures for cancer in our time. Now as Congress prepares the budget for the coming fiscal year, our elected officials have a unique opportunity to fulfill that promise. There's no time to waste! Komen advocates are on the Hill right now. Help ensure a permanent investment in the fight against cancer by taking action TODAY. Click here to write your legislators now! Sincerely, Ambassador Nancy Brinker
Founding Chair, Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Board Member, Komen Advocacy Alliance | 
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