In early September, volunteers from across Rhode Island, along with nearly 750 cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones from all 50 states, Guam and Puerto Rico united in Washington, D.C., as part of the annual American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. As part of the event, ACS CAN volunteers urged their elected officials to take specific steps to make cancer a national priority and help end a disease that still kills roughly 1,676 people a day in this country.

Matt Adams, a young professional from Cranston joined them, as a lead ACS CAN volunteer. In Washington, he met with the state's House and Senate delegation to ask them to support cancer fighting public policy.

Adams was inspired to begin his volunteer journey when he watched a beloved uncle pass away from cancer in 2018; he's also had the chance to celebrate advances in cancer research, including those that allowed his grandfather to beat prostate cancer and soon — celebrate his 99th birthday.

“In 2013, my uncle was in the hospital losing his battle with cancer and I wanted to do something to make a difference, big or small,” Adams said. “Volunteering occasionally for various charity events continued for several years until I became involved with the annual ACS CAN’s annual Cancer Research Breakfast around 2018, which eventually led me to where I am today — the lead volunteer for ACS CAN in my congressional district.”

The team of Rhode Island volunteers — which included cancer survivors, patients and caregivers — met with members of the state’s Congressional delegation to discuss the need to support an increase in federal funding for cancer research through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and prevention programs. They also asked members to support legislation to create a pathway for Medicare to cover new multi-cancer early detection tests once they are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and once clinical benefit is shown.

“I advocate for cancer funding and research in hopes that it will allow families to continue to make cherished memories with their loved ones. My grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer when I was very young, and this July we celebrated his 99th birthday! Without early detection and advanced treatments this would not have been possible. I want more families to have the same good fortune I’ve had with my grandfather’s outcome and end cancer as we know it, for everyone.”

After meeting with their lawmakers, volunteers gathered at the Constitution Gardens in Washington, D.C., to honor cancer survivors and remember those lost to the disease during the annual Lights of Hope ceremony. Thousands of illuminated bags decorated with the names of those who have faced a cancer diagnosis were displayed as a powerful message of hope.

“Roughly one in three people in the US will hear the words ‘you have cancer’ in their lifetime. We need a full and unwavering commitment from Congress to take action to help prevent, detect and treat cancer,” said Ryan Strik, Rhode Island director of government relations for ACS CAN. “We want our lawmakers to know that volunteers from Rhode Island, and from every state across the country, are counting on them to take a stand.”

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.