March 2007 Newsletter

 

Hello Everyone & Welcome to our March 2007 Newsletter

Susie's Cause new Georgia Affiliate Asks GA Senators & Congressman To Take Colorectal Cancer Seriously

Washington, D.C. - March 21, 2007

Colorectal Cancer Advocate, Margaret Johnston, Savannah, marched on Capitol Hill with other members of the C-3 Colorectal Cancer Coalition meeting with state representatives to gain support for increase funding for cancer research.

Johnston, who has lost three relatives and many friends to colon cancer is passionate about cancer education, screening, early detection and prevention.
At the age of 40, she knew the importance of getting screened earlier than the usual recommended age because of her strong family history. Her colonoscopy revealed thirteen polyps, six of which were precancerous adenomas.

“Many people have no idea that colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women in the US. In 2007, approximately 153,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer. Unfortunately, 52,000 will die and 1300 of these individuals will be from Georgia.”  “The sad fact is that these deaths could be prevented if people would just get screened. But we must get appropriate funding. “This is one cancer that is beatable, treatable and preventable.”

While in Washington, Ms. Johnston met with Senator Chambliss & Congressman Kingston and their healthcare staffer’s to urge them to support a resolution (to be introduced later this year) that would establish a Sense of Congress making colorectal cancer a priority for education and funding. “We also asked for a $10M increase for the CDC Colorectal Screening, Education and Outreach initiative in fiscal year 2008.”
In addition to colorectal cancer funding, the C-3 Coalition asked state representatives to fund, at a minimum, the National Institute of Health at $30B and NCI at $5.1B representing a 6.7% increase.

Since FY 2003 the budgets at NIH & NCI have remained flat or declining.
“If we are to continue the forward momentum in research for new technologies, treatments and public education we must have appropriate funding.’’
This was Ms. Johnston’s second year as a healthcare advocate in Washington, DC. Last year she marched on Congress with One Voice Against Cancer (OVAC).  “If there is one thing I’ve learned from my visits on the Hill, is that there is power in numbers. We need more patients, survivors and advocates from Georgia.”

We are honored to have Margaret join our team.  Her experience and passion will play a crucial role in the further development of the Foundation.

More than ever, from coast to coast, we need your help.  Please help us continue our work and visit the Donations Section of our website to help us reach our goals for 2007, or send your donations to :

Susie's Cause
201 North Charles Street South
Suite 2404
Baltimore, MD 21201
As always, you can reach me at jody@coloncancerfoundation.org
or call (410) 244-1778.

All My Best Regards,
 Jody