The annual advocacy event brings together volunteers from across the state to meet with their lawmakers and urge them to make the fight against cancer a legislative priority. Volunteers met with 97 out of 110 state Representatives and 37 out of 38 Senators with two ‘asks’.

Advocates urged lawmakers to increase resources for the state funded cancer and tobacco control programs in the Healthy Michigan Fund, which include screening programs for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers as well as the tobacco Quitline.

Advocates also spoke with their representatives to encourage the passing of a statewide smokefree air bill (HB 4163). Anticipation for passage of a smokefree air bill was running high, as the Michigan Senate unexpectedly passed its version of the bill on May 8. The legislation contained no exemptions and would make all workplaces in Michigan smokefree. If the House successfully passes the Senate’s bill, Michigan would take a huge step towards becoming the 34th smokefree state.

"As a former smoker, I know too well the direct effects of smoking," said Richard Jaeger of Farmington Hills, an ardent supporter of a statewide smokefree air law. "But secondhand smoke is just as bad. One needs only to read the Surgeon General’s report to see what must be done to protect people from secondhand smoke. [A smokefree air law] must be passed and signed. This is the year to do it."

Part of Richard’s inspiration to get involved in the fight against cancer is to honor Matt, the 20-year-old son of his close friends who recently lost his battle with Ewing’s sarcoma. Celebration at the State Capitol offers volunteers a chance to celebrate survivors and remember those who have lost their fight against cancer.

During the morning program, Representative Rick Shaffer shared a tribute he co-sponsored in the Michigan House of Representatives declaring May 13 "Alan Mills Advocacy Day in the Fight Against Cancer." The tribute, which was also shared on the floor of the Michigan House, honored Alan’s impact on advocacy as a dedicated employee of the American Cancer Society for more than 20 years.

"Alan Mills' impact on advocacy and government relations has been felt at all levels of government. However, we cannot speak of Alan Mills without acknowledging the character and caliber of our dear friend. A distinguished gentlemen, true friend, dedicated mentor and loving family man, Alan Mills will remain in the hearts and minds of all who came in contact with him as an individual we should all aspire to be like."

Volunteers at the Capitol vowed to take action to reduce the number of people in Michigan who die from cancer during the day’s final event, a fight back ceremony. To find out how you too can get involved in advocacy and help eliminate suffering and death due to cancer, call 1-800-ACS-2345.

Pictured: Survivors hold up a "Fight Back" sign during the opening Relay lap (top right); More than 600 volunteers gathered at the Capitol for this year’s event (bottom left)