Indianapolis resident Ashley Gibson, an eight‑year survivor of stage 3 HER2‑positive breast cancer, joined more than 750 cancer patients, survivors and caregivers on Capitol Hill this week. The group, organized by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), met with Indiana’s congressional delegation to press for sustained federal funding for the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Local survivor brings personal story to Washington
Gibson’s journey began eight years ago when a routine self‑exam revealed a lump. A rapid series of mammograms, ultrasounds and a biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of stage 3 HER2‑positive breast cancer. Genetic testing later identified an inherited PMS2 mutation, a variation that raises the risk for several other cancers, including colon and brain tumors. “Everyone is at risk for cancer, you just know yours now,” Gibson’s mother told her, a perspective that helped Gibson focus on proactive care.
Armed with her experience, Gibson traveled to the nation’s capital for the ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. She said the trip marked her third year as a volunteer advocate, noting that the Indiana delegation returned as a cohesive group of seasoned volunteers ready to amplify their message.
Advocacy goals: funding and trial access
The delegation urged lawmakers to maintain and increase federal research dollars, citing that steady funding over the past three decades has helped lower cancer mortality rates by 34 %. They also championed the bipartisan Clinical Trial Modernization Act (CTMA), legislation designed to reduce financial barriers—such as travel, lodging and copay costs—that often keep under‑represented, low‑income, older and rural patients from participating in clinical trials.
“While hearing you have cancer is not ideal, the next best thing is having a treatment plan for your cell type,” Gibson explained. “That is why keeping research dollars funded and modernized is so critical.” She added that knowing her genetic risk empowered her to advocate for herself and for science, rather than living in fear of the unknown.
Impact on Indiana families
Gibson’s advocacy reflects a broader concern among Indiana families who worry about access to cutting‑edge cancer care. By pressing Congress to protect research funding and streamline trial participation, the group hopes to ensure that Hoosier patients benefit from the latest treatments regardless of where they live.
“More voices amplifying the same passions can move mountains,” Gibson said, recalling her first trip to D.C. when she felt overwhelmed. Today, she believes the collective effort of survivors, caregivers and advocates can drive meaningful change.
Looking ahead
Beyond lobbying, Gibson encourages anyone hesitant to seek medical care to act promptly. “I would much rather know… because we can’t do anything about it unless we know,” she urged. Her optimism remains firm: “It’s a really awful disease, but I remain hopeful that someday we will be able to say we eliminated cancer.”
ACS CAN continues to mobilize volunteers nationwide, emphasizing that cancer research funding is a bipartisan priority that saves lives and supports families across the country.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
