Last month, I traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for something that is very near to my heart: the fight against cancer. We all know someone who has been affected by cancer. Maybe it’s a grandmother, or a co-worker, or a beloved friend. For me, it’s my own cancer diagnosis. And I’m fortune enough to call myself a cancer survivor.
That’s why it meant so much to me to join the One Voice Against Cancer Coalition in Washington, D.C., asking Congress to continue to prioritize federal cancer research. I am happy to say that Sens. Angus King and Susan Collins said they would continue to stand up for cancer patients and their families in the Senate.
In just 2025, it’s estimated that there will be 2 million new cancer cases in our country. Here in Maine, that number is over 11,000. This is a dire statistic that calls for all hands-on deck. We can’t afford to lose momentum in the fight against cancer.
I thank Sens. King and Collins for meeting with me and for listening to how cancer has affected so many of their constituents — including myself.
Jeff Bennett
Volunteer, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
Portland
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