Advocacy Days

For years, we’ve fought to grow federal funding for kidney cancer research, reaching $50 million annually for the Kidney Cancer Research Program (KCRP) within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). But with the passage of the March 2025 Continuing Resolution (CR), CDMRP funding has been slashed by 57%—a devastating setback for patients, researchers, and the future of kidney cancer treatment.

KidneyCAN is actively working to protect this funding. We are in direct communication with leaders at CDMRP and key decision-makers, strategizing ways to minimize the impact of these cuts and restore funding for kidney cancer research.

Our message remains clear: medical research is not political. Cancer affects Republicans and Democrats alike, and funding research is a bipartisan priority that saves lives. We will continue to fight for every dollar needed to advance kidney cancer research and accelerate cures.

We are launching a focused advocacy initiative to protect KCRP funding and mobilize grassroots action. Stay tuned for details on how you can get involved.

Anyone can advocate! Please join us in 2027.

Spring Advocacy Days will be held on Monday, March 8th for in-person advocacy, and Wednesday, March 10th, for virtual advocacy. It is open to everyone!

IT’S EASY TO BE AN ADVOCATE

All patients, families, caregivers, friends, and medical professionals are welcome. Most advocates will meet virtually with their representatives and Congressional staff in their home districts to ask for research funding.

We provide training with Advocacy 101, a detailed guide to help you know what to expect and how to talk to your representatives about kidney cancer research funding. You will receive a meeting schedule, talking points, scripts you can use if you would like, and leave-behind documents.

FY27 Kidney Cancer Community Asks

  • Appropriate $50 million for the Kidney Cancer Research Program (KCRP) in FY27 to restore funding to its FY24 level following its elimination in the FY25 Continuing Resolution.

  • Fund $51.3 billion to the National Institutes of Health, including $7.9 billion to the National Cancer Institute.

  • Enact HR.4206, the Connect for Health Act of 2025, to establish a permanent, nationwide solution for telehealth widely supported by patients and providers.

“My sister, a patient,  asked me to join the Advocacy Days in 2018 and, in my helplessness, I found a way to  support her valiant battle.  

After she died in 2023, I found an even greater need to continue to advocate for funding for new and innovative treatments.  I have met the most courageous people, both patients and family members, and have made new friends through our efforts.

Most recently, our  team filled in for a patient advocate from another state who had died in 2024 and I felt honored to be able to continue that very brave person’s efforts. Meeting the researchers who are making incredible inroads in RCC treatment and hearing how vital our advocacy is for them to continue their work, has been insightful and rewarding.”

Roberta F., Connecticut

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Join Our Grassroots Army

We know that awareness of kidney cancer and its impact on many lives leads to a sense of urgency, a desire for solutions. Awareness leads to advocacy, and advocacy — joining to speak as one voice — leads to funding and research. That’s how we get to cures.

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