The U.S. Senate has introduced the Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act (S. 2790). This bill will improve cancer care by establishing grant programs for symptom management, provider education and related research. These programs will increase the ability of patients to make informed decisions about their treatment options and all aspects of their care. Urge your senator to cosponsor this legislation today!

Sen. Reed needs our help to establish a dedicated $10 million blood cancer research program at the Department of Defense (DoD). This program would help develop cures for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Please urge your senators to sign this letter today!

As survival rates increase for the estimated 20,000 children under the age of 21 diagnosed with cancer in the United States each year, so do complications resulting from their treatment. Representatives Hilda L. Solis and Mary Bono Mack have introduced legislation to enhance the study and treatment of these “late effects” of treatment for childhood cancer survivors. Please, urge your Member of Congress to cosponsor H.R. 4450 today.

Currently, many adults to do not participate in clinical trials because insurance companies refuse to cover routine care expenses for patients who choose to enroll in a clinical trial. Fortunately, Congresswoman Deborah Pryce has introduced a measure, H.R. 2676, which would require insurance companies to cover routine care expenses for patients enrolled in clinical trials. Please contact your member of Congress to urge them to cosponsor H.R. 2676.

On Tuesday, April 8, blood cancer advocates will descend on Capitol Hill and urge legislators to make blood cancers a priority; with more funding to find cures and support patients. You can help! Please send a message to your senator and representative. Tell them to meet with LLS blood cancer advocates and support the needs of patients and their families. And urge them to attend the Congressional Honors Reception Tuesday evening in the Mansfield Room of the Capitol Building.

Congressman Jim McGovern and Congresswoman Mary Bono have introduced a bill to help raise awareness of bone marrow diseases, such as, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), aplastic anemia, and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). These diseases affect more than 20,000 Americans each year and need your help. Write your Congressperson using the attached support letter.