Local residents and sisters Michelle Lemmon and Tina Hoebelheinrich represented Wyoming last week during virtual meetings with members of Congress to make the fight against cancer a national priority.

They joined nearly 500 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones from all 50 states for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s annual Leadership Summit and Lobby Day, held virtually for the first time due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’ve all been touched by cancer and I’m so proud to represent Wyoming with my sister to advocate for legislation that will help to fight and prevent cancer and honor our loved ones,” said Lemmon, ACS CAN Wyoming state lead ambassador. “Although we couldn’t be in Washington, D.C. this year, we were still able to share our stories with lawmakers and highlight these critical issues in our local communities.”

The volunteers spoke with their lawmakers about critical cancer issues, including increased cancer research and prevention funding and improved and more equitable access to clinical trials.

“Cancer hasn’t stopped, so neither have we. Congress must take action to address the needs of cancer patients during and beyond the pandemic,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

Emergency funding alone is not enough, she said.

“We need consistent and significant increases in cancer research and prevention funding to ensure we maximize past investments and continue to make significant progress preventing and treating a disease that is projected to kill more than 600,000 Americans this year,” Lacasse continued.

In addition to urging lawmakers to boost research and prevention funding, volunteer advocates also encouraged lawmakers to advance legislation that addresses disparities in cancer care and supports more equitable access to cancer clinical trials through the Henrietta Lacks Enhancing Cancer Research Act.

The virtual meetings follow a Lights of Hope Across America event held Sept. 12 where 45,000 lit bags decorated with the names of those who’ve fought cancer were displayed in homes nationwide as a powerful message of hope. The event replaced the annual Lights of Hope ceremony which usually takes place on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

Here in Wyoming, Lemmon and Hoebelheinrich collected stories and names to display on Lights of Hope bags at the Big Horn Basin Cancer Center and the Bighorn Mountains to honor and remember loved ones impacted by cancer from across the state.

This year, nearly 2,900 Wyoming residents will be diagnosed with cancer and 960 people will die from the disease. To get involved, visit www.fightcancer.org/states/wyoming.