United Against Cancer: A Common Ground Amid Political Divisions
Two women, one from Rochester and the other from Long Island, New York, might seem to have little in common. One is a retired entrepreneur who has supported Donald Trump in every election. The other used to work in a doctor's office and identifies as a Democrat. However, a shared experience unites them — they both have battled and survived breast cancer.
These two brave women were part of a volunteer group of over 500 individuals who recently congregated in Washington, D.C. Their mission? To urge lawmakers to prioritize cancer research and patient support services in the national health care agenda.
A Shared Purpose
This annual gathering in the nation's capital is a tradition for groups dedicated to battling cancer. This year, the event took place amid a standoff over the budget that has resulted in a federal government shutdown. Nevertheless, these volunteers were able to put aside their political differences and unite for a shared cause.
"Nobody here was concerned about anyone's political affiliation," said one of the two women from New York. "Cancer isn’t partisan."
Each and every one of these volunteers has been personally affected by the devastating impact of cancer, a disease predicted to claim over 600,000 lives in the U.S. this year alone.
Reflecting on her family history, the entrepreneur from Rochester talked about how each of her mother's 10 siblings succumbed to cancer. She also lost a lifelong friend to the disease at the early age of 57, leaving his wife and two young daughters behind. She, like many of the volunteers, is concerned about the current political climate.
"I believe we are more divided now than ever before," she said. "This worries me, especially for the sake of my grandchildren."
The volunteers share a concern for the state of the nation. One, a mother from Buffalo, N.Y., recalls driving past political protestors arguing heatedly. Her daughter asked, "What is this?" and she found herself at a loss for words. "It's heartbreaking," she said.
Another volunteer says she finds it hard to watch the news these days. "Many Americans are feeling stressed. There's a lot going on," she said.
Uniting for a Cause
Despite the deep divisions over issues like immigration, gun control, and the presidency, there is one issue that consistently garners widespread support among Americans, regardless of political affiliation: help for those battling cancer and other serious illnesses. Recent surveys show that seven out of 10 voters believe it is crucial for the federal government to fund medical research, including majorities of both Democrats and Republicans.
"In today's polarized climate, it's rare to see such agreement," said a pollster who conducted a survey for patient groups. "But nearly everyone in this country knows someone who has had cancer."
At the gathering in Washington, the volunteers focused on their common goals: increased funding for cancer research, maintaining health insurance subsidies, and broadening access to cancer screenings. They prepared their pitches for when they would meet with their respective members of Congress, shared personal stories, and offered each other advice.
On the day of their lobbying efforts, they met in a large ballroom, dressed in matching blue shirts and armed with red folders filled with information to leave at each office they visited. Their efforts were not in vain; they managed to visit 484 of the 535 Senate and House offices.
Despite some resistance, lawmakers from both parties showed support for increased research funding and expanded cancer screenings. The volunteers felt good about their day. "It was amazing," said one of them. "You could feel the sense of unity."
Remembering and Learning
As the day came to a close, the volunteers gathered on the National Mall for a candlelight vigil. Despite the rain, they stood together as 10,000 tea lights flickered in small paper bags around a pond near the Lincoln Memorial. Each light represented a life touched by cancer.
A self-proclaimed Reagan Republican from New York, who lost his father to lung cancer, reflected on the lessons that such a day could offer a divided nation.
"Talk to people," he said. "Get to know each other as individuals, and then you can understand their perspectives. We all have disagreements, but we don't need to attack each other. We can discuss it."
He said he plans to return next year, demonstrating the enduring power of unity in the face of adversity.
