NASHVILLE, Tenn. – More than 50 cancer patients, survivors and their families and caregivers from throughout Tennessee will be out in force at the State Capitol on Tuesday, January 30 to ask legislators to support funding and policies to reduce the burden of cancer on Tennesseans.
The visit is part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) annual Cancer Action Day, an event that will bring volunteer advocates together to call on the legislature to make cancer policy a priority. This year, nearly 45,000 Tennesseans will face a cancer diagnosis. We are asking lawmakers to enact policies and allocate $13 million to the state’s tobacco control program to change that. The funding is vital for keeping children safe from dangerous addictions and helping those who want to quit smoking.
“I know firsthand how important funding can be for families like mine who have experienced loss from cancer and tobacco,” said volunteer advocate Michael Holtz, a cancer survivor whose father died from smoking complications. Holtz will be available for interviews.
WHO: Cancer survivors, patients and ACS CAN volunteer advocates
SPOKESPEOPLE: Michael Holtz, cancer survivor
Maddie Bushnell Michael, ACS CAN Government Relations Director
WHAT: ACS CAN Tennessee Cancer Action Day
WHERE: Cordell Hull State Office Building, Room 8C, 425 Rep. John Lewis Blvd. N
Nashville, TN 37243
WHEN: Tuesday, January 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.