Maria Williams: Let’s make ‘you have cancer’ less scary by funding the Cancer Moonshot

As part of an historic National Cancer Moonshot Summit on June 29, Vice President Joe Biden asked all of us to make personal commitments to help end cancer in our lifetimes. I am doing my part by raising money for research, holding the hands of loved ones facing this disease and taking care of my own health to help prevent a second diagnosis.

But if we really want to stop cancer, Congress must make a commitment, too.

Almost every discovery, new treatment and cure is available thanks to federally funded cancer research. However, we can’t continue to make advances if we don’t provide researchers the resources to capitalize on scientific opportunities. To ensure continued progress, Congress must approve increased funding for the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute.

I ask Congress to complete a billion-dollar investment in the NCI over two years. They got us part of the way there at the end of last year, now it’s time to finish the job.

Nearly 2 million Americans will hear the words “you have cancer” this year. The National Cancer Moonshot is our best shot at conquering this disease. I’ve made my commitments; Congress, it’s time to make yours. Fund the Moonshot; fuel the hope.

This story was originally published July 5, 2016 at 6:52 PM with the headline "Maria Williams: Let’s make ‘you have cancer’ less scary by funding the Cancer Moonshot."