Here’s a copy of a letter I sent to my U.S. Texas Senators and House Representatives to gain more support for Ovarian Cancer Research.

On Thursday, July 10, constituents visited your office seeking support for Ovarian Cancer research, prevention and education in FY 2009. I know my fellow constituents left you with literature about our request. Just in case, here is a quick summary of exactly what we need from you to help us fight Ovarian Cancer in FY 2009:

• Allocate $10 million in FY 2009 to the CDC Ovarian Cancer Control Initiative to expand activities that increase early detection, improve treatment options and enhance survivorship. The CDC’s highly-developed network of health care providers and cancer registries spearheads efforts in educating providers in identifying ovarian cancer symptoms and utilizing best practice guidelines.
• Support Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and its goals (H.R. 671/Stabenow-Dole Resolution)
• Increase NCI funding by 9.5% to support and expand efforts to reduce cancer incidence and mortality and advance important research and awareness efforts that contribute significantly to our nation’s battle against ovarian cancer.
• Provide full funding in the amount of $16.5 million over three years, including $10 million in FY 2009, to support the implementation of “Johanna’s Law” (P.L. 109-475) – the Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act – which authorized a three-year national gynecologic cancer early detection and awareness campaign directed at women and healthcare providers.
• Provide $25 million in FY 2009 for the DoD Ovarian Cancer Research Program, which funds multidisciplinary research that employs innovative methods of investigation and grants awards to new investigators. In 2005, researchers discovered several biomarkers for early stage ovarian cancer, with the prospect of developing this information into an effective and much-needed early detection test. Additional funding will speed the development and clinical testing of a reliable, early detection tool – reducing and preventing suffering from ovarian cancer.

I would appreciate if you would inform me of the Congressman’s position on these initiatives.

On a more personal note, on Monday, I celebrated what would have been my mom’s 68th birthday. Her doctor ignored all the early detection symptoms that she described to him. I believe with all my heart that with the proper education for both my mom and her doctor it would have led to an earlier diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with Stage IV C ovarian cancer in May 2006 and died over a year later on August 2, 2007. This is why I encourage the Congressman to support research, prevention and education for Ovarian Cancer in FY 2009. It is vital to saving more mothers’ lives.

Please thank your office for taking the time to visit with the constituents on July 10, and I encourage the Congressman to support Ovarian Cancer Awareness month this September with a mention in the newsletter and Web site.

Best,
Janet Johnson

The Result: A phone call from one House Representative’s office telling me what they are doing to fight ovarian cancer and that we have an advocate on the Hill! Yay!