The blizzard of 2007 was a distant memory as American Cancer Society volunteers and staff made their way to Indianapolis on February 5 to support legislation that will move Indiana towards the ACS goal of eliminating suffering and death due to cancer. Nearly 350 Hoosiers participated in Indiana Lobby Day 2008, making it the largest crowd in the event’s history.

This year’s ’asks’ included supporting bills (SB 269/HB 1140) that would provide insurance coverage for prosthetic devices to individuals who may have lost a limb to cancer. Volunteers also met with 61 House members and 28 Senate members and asked them to sign the State Cancer Promise as an expression of their support for a statewide smokefree air law. As a result, 38 lawmakers signed the Promise.

The event kicked off with a welcome from Nancy Yaw, CEO of the American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division. Lead Ambassador Patty Avery of Evansville emceed the event. Bruce Hetrick of Lafayette was the survivor speaker and Mary Margaret Moorhead, Legislative Ambassador from Versailles, spoke about the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).

Other featured speakers included Mr. Tracy Boatwright, a lobbyist and ex-state legislator, and Rep. Charlie Brown (D-3), sponsor of the proposed smokefree air bill, who gave a brief but rousing update on smokefree air legislation.

Indiana Lobby Day was also a day of recognition, with 12 Legislative Ambassadors from Indiana receiving pins for meeting the 2007 LAPEL program requirements for achievement recognition.

Also recognized were the 22 businesses statewide who have become Five Star Investors by participating in the Society’s Workplace Solutions program, a slate of health related initiatives created to improve workers’ health. As part of the Workplace Solutions initiative, organizations are encouraged to make their workplaces smokefree.

Details about the ACS CAN bus tour were announced as well. The Fight Back Express bus will visit all 48 states in an effort to raise funds for ACS CAN and increase awareness of cancer related policy issues around the country. The ACS CAN bus tour begins May 4 and wraps up on Election Day, November 8.

"We hope the bus tour helps everyone join ACS CAN," said Mary Margaret. "We’re going to have to work really hard to get the bus here. This is an event that we definitely want to be a part of."

Volunteers had the opportunity to sponsor the bus by purchasing miles. They donated $1,500 to support the tour, which equals 150 miles. To learn more about how you can support the bus tour, visit www.acscan.org/bus.

"I have been to virtually all of the (Indiana) Lobby Days and I would put this one in the top of the group," said Mary Margaret. "All in all, it seemed to be a successful day."

Michigan’s lobby day, Celebration at the State Capitol, will be an opportunity for Michigan volunteers to make their voices heard on important advocacy issues. Celebration at the State Capitol will take place May 13 and registration will begin March 3. To learn more, visit www.acsgld.org/micelebration.

Pictured: Volunteers head to Indiana Lobby Day (top right); Volunteers speak with legislators (bottom right)