At this moment, the United States Congress is in session and actively considering an economic stimulus package. It is vital that we join together with many other cancer advocacy organizations and support the inclusion of the proposed $1.9 billion allocation to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the federal agency that oversees cancer and other medical research.

Supporting cancer research is good for the economy. It will reduce, in multiples of the dollars invested in research, savings in the over blown costs of direct medical care as well as provide direct stimulation to our struggling economy.

At this time you have an opportunity to make a make a significant impact on cancer research. Email your Members of Congress, and urge them to include $1.9 billion for NIH in the economic stimulus package.

The past 5 years has seen funding for cancer research reduced by nearly 14 percent! A $1.9 billion increase for NIH would provide a much-needed increase for life-saving research to help detect cancer, including prostate cancer, at the earliest stages and more effectively treat cancer. Imagine a time when prostate cancer can be halted without the terrible side effects we experience and a time when there will be no recurrent or advanced prostate cancer.

Increased funding for NIH is a win-win situation, for cancer survivors, patients and caregivers all across the country. It also will help to stimulate our economy.

Now is the time for you to take action.

Make your voice heard today!

Support $1.9 billion for NIH in the economic stimulus package.

Contact your member of congress and send them your own email or use the following as a model to cut and paste:

As a voting constituent, I strongly urge you support inclusion of $1.9 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the economic recovery package currently being developed.

The FY 2009 stimulus package is an important first step in halting the deep decline in progress in the fight against cancer. This investment is good for the economy as it pales in comparison to the savings research breakthroughs produce in terms of lower health care costs and caregiver expenses. This year alone, 1.4 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer, with 565,000 dying from the disease. It is time to stop this dread disease.

While the rate of death from cancer has been dropping for more than a decade, funding trends over the past five years for cancer research and control are jeopardizing this progress.
Please reverse the trend of the past 5 years, and support the inclusion of $1.9 billion for NIH in the FY2009 economic recovery package.

Thank you and I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP]

Posted by: Joel T Nowak MA, MSW