LAWAI — Next week, local cancer survivor Uri Martos will join nearly 700 cancer patients, survivors, volunteers and staff from all 50 states in Washington, D.C., for the annual American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Leadership Summit and Lobby Day.
LAWAI — Next week, local cancer survivor Uri Martos will join nearly 700 cancer patients, survivors, volunteers and staff from all 50 states in Washington, D.C., for the annual American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Leadership Summit and Lobby Day.
Advocates will ask Congress to take specific steps to make cancer a national priority and help end a disease that still kills 1,670 people a day in this country.
“I’ve watched my friends and family battle cancer and win. I’ve also seen loved ones lose (to) cancer and it’s a heartbreak you can’t truly get over,” said Martos.
Martos, ACS CAN’s lead volunteer for Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district, plans to meet with Sens. Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to share her story and discuss the importance of increasing federal funding for cancer research.
She’ll also ask them to co-sponsor legislation that supports patients’ quality of life and to support legislation that would close a Medicare loophole causing surprise costs for seniors during routine colonoscopy screenings.
This is Martos’ second trip to Washington, D.C. to advocate for cancer research and legislation, where she has the privilege to represent fellow patients, advocates and survivors from the Garden Island and the outer islands. She’s inspired by her personal connection to cancer.
Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer 20 years ago and is a survivor. In 2014, Uri herself was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 36.
“As a cancer survivor myself, I know that my voice matters, and I’m honored to represent the Hawaii Pacific region in our nation’s capital,” Martos said. “I’m excited to tell our lawmakers that we’re counting on them to help us fight and prevent cancer so other people don’t face what I did.”
