In March of 2019, KidneyCAN sponsored the Kidney Cancer Advocacy Day in D.C. This successful event was attended by more than 20 kidney cancer patient advocates from various parts of the country.
We had more than 50 Capitol Hill appointments with our respective elected representatives. Our delegates represented the states of New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Georgia.
Our main legislative “ask” was to support robust, sustainable funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and for an increase to the Kidney Cancer Research Program (KCRP) pursuant to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) Department of Defense.
These days provide us with an important opportunity to let our reps hear how needed funding is for kidney cancer research. When we lift our voices, we get results! This year, Congress has approved $40 million in funding for kidney cancer research.
We are heading back to the Hill in March of 2020, and we need all hands on deck for this event! Our Spring 2020 D.C. Advocacy Days will take place on March 9th and 10th.
You do not need to be an “expert” in medicine, research, or the legislative process. We benefit when all members of the kidney cancer community share their stories. To get an idea of what it’s like to be an advocate, check out our 2019 spring advocacy agenda.
We’re always looking for advocates, so if you’re interested in participating in our next Capitol Hill day contact us HERE. We would love to hear from you.
