VBCF’s Noss Scholarship funds training for volunteer advocates in legislative advocacy and medical research to carry on the work that Karin Decker Noss, a dedicated board member, and former VBCF president, began. Last week, this year’s scholarship recipients, VBCF Board members, and staff attended the National Breast Cancer Coalition’s 2023 Advocate Leadership Summit and Lobby Day on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
Legislative Priorities for Lobby Day
VBCF advocates had productive meetings with several Virginia congressional delegation members, asking for support for The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act and the US Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program (DOD BCRP). The group met with Representatives Ben Cline (VA-6th); Bob Good (VA-5th); Jen Kiggans (VA-2nd); Jennifer McClellan (VA-4th); and Bobby Scott (VA-3rd) and dropped by several other offices.
The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act, HR549, would eliminate the onerous waiting periods for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (5 months) and Medicare coverage (24 months) for those with metastatic breast cancer. Waiving the waiting periods would allow patients to get access to the health care they need sooner and help lessen their stress and financial burden. As of this writing, there are more than 133 bipartisan co-sponsors for the legislation. And, thanks to the work of VBCF advocates, that number includes seven co-sponsors from Virginia: Rep. Connolly (VA-11); Rep. McClellan (VA-4); Rep. Scott (VA-3); Rep. Spanberger (VA-7); Rep. Wexton (VA-10); Rep. Wittman (VA-1).
During Lobby Day, advocates also urged Virginia legislators to support level funding ($150 million for FY24) for the DOD BCRP. This program produces innovative, high-impact research through a partnership of scientists and consumers. The DOD BCRP is widely viewed as an innovative, unique, and efficient medical research model and has produced extraordinary results. Since the program’s inception in 1993, Virginia research institutions have received over $49 million in funding.
Our outstanding group of advocates directly shared their personal experiences with breast cancer with our legislators, which was very powerful! In particular, several advocates who are living with metastatic breast cancer were able to help drive home the urgency of passing HR549, the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act, as soon as possible. We definitely made an impact!”
Marylinn Minor, VBCF Board member and Vice President, NBCC Board of Directors
Advocate Leadership Summit
Before Lobby Day, Noss Scholarship recipients attended NBCC’s 3-day Advocate Leadership Summit. The Summit provides sessions on the latest scientific research, training in effective advocacy strategies, and presentations by respected researchers in the field, grassroots leaders from around the country, and prominent public policy experts.
“I enjoyed my first Lobby Day and especially interacting with Representatives Kiggans and Good. At the Summit, there was so much to learn from top science experts and politics from the best politicians. The combination helped me to educate myself and learn how to advocate better. It was powerful to learn about the clinical trials for vaccines and immunotherapies that have benefitted from DOD BCRP funding. I will definitely take my experience and share and become a better advocate and help my group.”
Veronica Musie, VBCF Noss Scholarship recipient and founder, Alpha Breast Cancer Support Services, Arlington, VA
“The Advocate Leadership Summit was informative, inspiring, and encouraging. I met some great women that I plan to keep in touch with. The workshops were well done. I learned much about breast cancer advocacy and plan to take my learnings back to teach, share, and invite others to join. I commend the team for the remembrance of those who passed on, and it is a reminder of why we were there and the importance of the advocacy work that is being done and continues to be done. As I was coming out of my journey (1 year ago), I knew I wanted to become an advocate but was not sure how. After attending the Summit, I have a clear direction of how I want to participate and continue to raise my voice in the space. Lastly, Lobby Day was awesome, fun, knowledgeable, and impactful!”
Dr. Christine Fuselier, VBCF Noss Scholarship recipient; Leadership Developer, Equity Engineer, Corporate Trainer, Leader
