“As someone with metastatic breast cancer, I know that this is a marathon, not a sprint. And, access to treatment is so important. Why should I have to wait up to 2 years for the benefits I already qualify for?” Anne, Virginia Advocate speaking about the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act
VBCF volunteer advocates participated in the 2021 Virtual National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) Lobby Day on May 18th. The group was able to “Zoom” into Washington, DC for a packed day of meetings with Virginia’s elected officials and staff including Representative Bob Good’s (R-5th) staff; Representative Morgan Griffith (R-9th) and his staff; Representative Elaine Luria’s (D-2nd) staff; Representative Bobby Scott (D-3rd) staff; Representative Jennifer Wexton’s (D-10th) staff; and staff from both Senator Tim Kaine and Senator Warner’s offices.
During the meetings, VBCF advocates shared their experiences with breast cancer and made the case for several key priority issues including:
Funding for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program (DoD BCRP)
Advocates asked legislators to support $150 million in funding for FY2022 for this innovative and effective research program. Advocate Dr. Angela Herring spoke compellingly about how the drug Herceptin, which was developed as a result of DOD BCRP research, extended the lives of many women in the support group that she established in Newport News.
Several VA legislators have already signed onto a letter of support for this funding: Rep. Bobby Scott (D-3rd), Rep. Donald McEachin (D-4th), Rep Bob Good (R-5th) Rep Abigail Spanberger (D-7th), Rep. Beyer (D-8th), and Rep. Connolly (D-11th). Advocates asked legislators to support this level of funding for DOD BCRP when it’s time to vote for the FY2022 appropriations bill later this summer.
Support for the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act (H.R. 3183; S. 1312)
This bill would waive the waiting periods for Medicare (up to 24 months) and Social Security Disability benefits (up to 5 months) for those with metastatic breast cancer. Advocates asked legislators to help get these bills moving in Congress by becoming a co-sponsor.
During our meetings, it was good news to hear that several of the legislators who sponsored the bill during the last Congress, seemed very inclined to support the reintroduced bill including Reps. Griffith, Luria, and Scott. We will keep you posted!
Our sincere thanks to all our volunteer advocates who took the time to participate in NBCC’s National Lobby Day, sharing their breast cancer journey stories. They helped us have engaging, productive meetings with legislators. Thank you for your commitment! For more information on how to get involved with VBCF’s advocacy work, contact kirsta@vbcf.org and sign up for our Advocacy Action Alerts.
Photo: VBCF volunteer advocates meet with Representative Morgan Griffith (R-9th) and his staff.
