RALEIGH, N.C. – Around 50 cancer advocates, survivors, caregivers and their families from all over North Carolina will gather in Raleigh on Wednesday, May 1, to meet with lawmakers to ask them to support policies that reduce the burden of cancer in the Tar Heel State. The best time to interview participants will be from 7 to 9 a.m. as they gather for breakfast in the General Assembly’s legislative cafeteria. After breakfast, volunteers will disperse to individual meetings with their lawmakers and may still be available for interviews.
The volunteers with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) will talk with lawmakers about biomarker testing coverage, which is a routine test performed after a cancer diagnosis that allows physicians to match patients with the most effective treatment. Unfortunately, too many patients can’t access such testing, which can contribute to disparities.
“It changed my life to be told I had cancer at only 23 years old,” said volunteer Ethan Davis, who benefited from biomarker testing and will be available for interviews. “I went from being a healthy young adult to having brain surgery days later. Biomarker testing opened the door to a more effective treatment for my cancer and improved my quality of life.”
WHO: Cancer survivors, patients and ACS CAN volunteer advocates
WHAT: North Carolina Cancer Action Day
WHERE: North Carolina General Assembly Legislative Building Cafeteria
16 W Jones Street, Raleigh, NC
WHEN: Wednesday, May 1, 7-9 a.m.
The group will disperse after 9 a.m.
Please contact Stacy for any interviews after 9 a.m.