The power of purple took over Capitol Hill on Sept. 20. Ten thousand volunteers, cancer survivors and supporters, all very passionate about finding a cure for this devastating disease, went to Washington D.C. with one purpose: to be heard. Congress listened and they heard.
 
Ambassadors had over 500 meetings with members of Congress in which 310 members signed the Congressional Cancer Promise. The Cancer Promise simply states that members of Congress will help make health system reform a priority, elevate prevention, early detection and survivorship, increase commitment to research and expand access to care.
 
On Thursday, Sept. 21, just one day after Celebration on the Hill, the U.S. House of Representatives "marked up" HR 6164, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Reform Act of 2006, which will provide NIH oversight. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is a part of the National Institutes of Health. This legislation was passed by the full House late Tuesday evening, Sept. 26. In addition to strengthening coordination and transparency within NIH, this bill sets authorization levels for NIH increases at a minimum of 5% for the next three years, in line with the Congressional Cancer Promise. With this vote coming immediately in the wake of Celebration, the impact of the voices at Celebration on the Hill contributed to the overwhelming level of support the House demonstrated for this legislation.
 
Tuesday, Sept. 19, before Celebration on the Hill, the U.S. House "marked up" HR 5472, National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) Reauthorization Act of 2006. Towards the end of the week of Sept. 25, the House Energy & Commerce Committee passed this legislation. The legislation is awaiting a vote on the House floor. This legislation will allow greater flexibility in the program so it can reach more uninsured and other medically under-served women, and will authorize an increase in funding to the $250 million level so at least an additional 130,000 women can be served.

The Celebration on the Hill was one incredible success. It opened with a survivors lap around the reflecting pool in front of the Capitol and ended with the luminaria ceremony. Over 25,000 luminaria were lit to honor those who are battling cancer and to remember those who lost their battle. The Wall of Hope monument was made up of 5,000 banners that were signed by three million people who are in support of making cancer a national health priority.
 
Guest speakers included Senator Hillary Clinton, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, news anchorman Sam Donaldson, Thurman Thomas a NFL MVP, NASCAR driver Bobbie Hamilton plus other speakers who all have been touched by cancer.
 
Ten thousand voices strong echoed in the halls of Congress: “There is no finish line until we have a cure!”

For more pictures from this year’s Celebration on the Hill, check out the gallery here at www.TheCitizen.com.

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