In this issue
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VOICES photo and video contest!
Enter and win great prizes with your memorable Relay For Life photos and videos

Daffodil Days volunteer gives hope to the newly diagnosed
Cathy Kapala, a colon cancer survivor and longtime Daffodil Days volunteer from Saginaw Township, Michigan, finds that giving back to others is the key to a positive outlook on life.

The Colossal Colon® in Detroit
Detroit residents will have a unique opportunity to learn how to protect themselves from colon cancer thanks to CoCo.

Meet your ACS Research Grantee: Dr. Marie Swanson
Dr. Marie Swanson at Indiana University uses her research grant to provide for others.

NCAA president diagnosed with pancreatic cancer
Myles Brand, president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association was diagnosed with cancer on Christmas Eve, 2008.

Federal Advocacy in 2009: Potentially promising in future of cancer
Brad Burk, Great Lakes Division Director of Government Relations talks about how 2009 has the potential to be a historic year in the fight against cancer

Colorectal Cancer Quiz
Do you know what your colorectal cancer risks are, or what preventative measures to take?
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Our very own GLD YouTube channel!
Showcase the best of your GLD Relay events on YouTube!

Powerful Choices podcast
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Len Lichtenfeld talks about the decrease in cancer incidence and mortality rates, and analyses the new research for us to understand its impact.

VOICES in the kitchen
On the menu: Zucchini bites

GLO Grads
Corinne Petras
ACS Communications Specialist
Detroit Metro Office

2009 Has Potential to Be a Historic
Year in the Fight Against Cancer
Brad Burk is Director, Federal Government Relations for the Great Lakes Division.

The 2008 election was historic on many different levels. Most notably was the election of America’s first African-American President. Perhaps as significant was the sheer volume of voter participation. A record 136.6 million Americans went to the polls in 2008, representing 64.1% of the population. This number reflects the highest voter turnout (percentage) since 1908. Clearly, this is a sign of the times. There is little doubt that current concerns about the state of the American economy and society in general has reengaged Americans into the political process. In many ways, this unique confluence of events is also good news for the fight against cancer.

Citizens who are engaged, educated, focused, and mobilized have a very real opportunity to impact the legislative process. The same is true when it comes to advocating on behalf of cancer-related issues. We are poised and ready to seize that opportunity.

The American Cancer Society added “advocacy” to our mission statement in 1994. Since that time, we have built a formidable grassroots organization and a powerful reputation as a catalyst for change. In Washington DC, all 50 state capitols and in numerous cities and towns, we have been able to leverage public policy to aid in the accomplishment of our mission.

During the last 15 years, a long list of advocacy successes have helped build a reputation that is both respected and trusted among elected officials. Let us be clear: these victories belong to our dedicated volunteers.

When it comes to the fight against cancer, 2009 is guaranteed to be a historic year. We are truly on the verge of major public policy victories, many of which have been years in the making (like FDA regulation of tobacco, to name one of several examples.)

However, we can not and will not be successful without the effort of passionate and committed volunteers. Each and every voice is needed to guarantee that our elected officials make the right decisions. Without question, there has never been a better time to be involved in the American Cancer Society’s Advocacy program. Our time is now!