I used to think there were few ways for regular people like me to influence the legislative process and get through to powerful decisionmakers. Thanks to my NBCC training, I view that as a possibility now. I’ve seen the power of constituent voices— real people impacted by breast cancer— in moving the needle.
The greatest highlight of my advocacy work thus far is working with the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition’s metastatic advocates to convince former Delaware Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) to sign on as a cosponsor for the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act.
Historically he wouldn’t budge, due to his committee assignments. But my fellow advocates and I crafted a narrative and communicated the facts in such a way that we brought Carper’s legislative aide to tears. The aide agreed to make sure Senator Carper signed onto the bill. And he did.
During the recent federal budget debate, thanks to the education provided by cancer advocates like myself, Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) wrote an amendment to the continuing resolution to protect Congressionally Directed Medical Programs including the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program. Because of our advocacy, Senator Coons understood how important it was for these crucial programs to continue.
I am also proud to work with other states beyond Delaware to introduce congressional members and staff to NBCC and encourage them to support our advocacy priorities. Still working on the latter!
Project LEAD helped me understand the science of breast cancer, exposed me to opportunities to have my voice as a survivor and advocate heard, and inspired me to inspire others to get involved.
I used to think there were few ways for regular people like me to influence the legislative process and get through to powerful decisionmakers. Thanks to my NBCC training, I view that as a possibility now. I’ve seen the power of constituent voices— real people impacted by breast cancer— in moving the needle.
While you are at Project LEAD, you might feel overwhelmed. Take opportunities to pick the brains of more experienced advocates, advocate mentors, and scientists. They are on the front lines and can guide you—I am still close with my mentor seven years later.
Advocacy can be nerve-racking, especially the first time you go to DC and head up to Capitol Hill. When you get nervous, think about all the moments of silence you began your days with at Project LEAD, remembering and honoring the advocates we’ve lost. Then say to yourself: “I am doing this for them, for those who can no longer speak, advocate, and fight for themselves.”
