Wow! My mind is ready to explode with new knowledge! This past week I had the esteemed privilege of participating in the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) Project LEAD six-day intensive course. The course dove deep into the science of cancer and even deeper into breast cancer. We were treated to presentations by leading breast cancer advocates, scientists, epidemiologists, oncologists, and had the opportunity to network with fellow advocates globally. I feel like I earned a mini-scientist degree!
Outside of cancer science we learned there is much work to be done to assist the breast cancer community. The NBCC has been working diligently to end breast cancer since 1991 through access, research and influence. The NBCC has 3 Legislative Priorities for 2019 that you can help influence and make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.
Priority #1: $150 Million for the Department of Defense (DOD) Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) for FY2020
Priority #2: Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act: A bill to waive the 24 month waiting period for Medicare eligibility and the 5 month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for individuals with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Priority #3: Prevention of the Medicaid Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program
How can you help?
#1. Send an email to Senator McSally:
Emily_Crow@mcsally.senate.gov
“As an Arizona resident. I ask if you would please let me know what steps are being taken to move the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act, S. 1374, forward, and also what we in Arizona can do to help. Thank you for being a leader on this critical issue, and we look forward to working together with you to get it enacted this Congress.”
#2. Send an email to you legislative representative:
Not sure how to find your member? Click here! https://www.azleg.gov/findmylegislator/
As you constituent and someone who wants to end breast cancer, I ask that Representative XXX co-sponsor the Metastatic Breast Cancer Assess to Care Act, H.R. 2178. Lives depend on it. Please let me know your decision as soon as possible. Our network of advocates are looking to your leadership on this issue. Please contact Deena Tauster in Representative Peter King’s office (Deena.tauster@mail.house.gov) or Elizabeth Brown in Representative Kathy Castor’s office (Elizabeth.Tauster@mail.house.gov) to sign on.
#3. Share this information on your social media
My deepest gratitude to NBCC for their arduous efforts to end breast cancer! I am extremely grateful for the opportunity they provided me through their Project LEAD course to expand my education, fuel my desire to dive deep into evidence based information, network with the breast cancer community on a global level, and learn from leading experts in the breast cancer field. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
