Becoming a volunteer at any level to further information and research is desperately needed.  There are many opportunities to advocate including fund raising participation, support group involvement, and  legislative responsibility.  ACS: Get Involved is an excellent place to become active in your advocacy.

September 18 and 19, 2002 I joined as a Missouri representative, 3,000 Community Ambassadors and 4,000 other volunteers in Washington, D.C. to participate in a Relay for Life ACS : Relay For Life at Celebration on the Hill.  Our main goal was to meet with our respective senators and representatives and encourage support of issues directly impacting cancer patients.

American Cancer Society's Ambassadors and volunteers streamed into Union Station for the welcoming reception. It was a convergence of the thousands who were in Washington, D.C. for the first Celebration on the Hill.

The crescendo built as speakers fueled our hope and music filled the tiny spaces in the jubilant crowd. We were survivors, caregivers, families and volunteers. We began to dance and sing and celebrate life as hundreds were weaving through the crowded rooms, serving notice of our commitment to purpose.

Morning came early. While walking to the National Mall, we spoke of the task before us. Volunteers joined our conversation, adamant about the importance of our presence, the critical need for education, prevention and research dollars, and of this horrific disease that in some way affects almost everyone. I was reminded that survivors are tough, brave and focused.

The colorful pageantry of the opening ceremony brought cheers and applause. We were old and young, disabled and recovered survivors stepping onto the track while volunteers encouraged us. Our faces told the story of struggle and hope. We walked, sang and prayed and for 12 hours there were no breaks in the Relay For Life.

The day was punctuated with speakers and musicians….some survivors of cancer themselves. The messages were the same. Be heard. Be active advocates. Make a difference.

I felt privileged to participate in the lobbying effort. Senator Carnahan met us on the steps of the Capitol. She made time to patiently and compassionately listen to our pleas for increasing research dollars and to our requests for ongoing support.

Representative Karen McCarthy welcomed us to her office where we received positive and memorable interaction regarding ACS legislative priorities.

The Celebration Bus arrived on cue to resounding cheers. Thousands of signatures from across the United States validated the importance of our mission.

Later, U. S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tommy Thompson offered reassurance of support for our cause. I listened closely to his message. He reiterated how one person can make a difference. He emphasized the importance of diet, exercise, smoking cessation, mammograms, prostate and colorectal screenings. As a skin cancer survivor, I waited hopefully for mention of skin cancer screenings and sun protection awareness. It didn't come.

I could not ignore that omission! As he left the stage surrounded by his entourage, I ran to catch him. In retrospect, it was akin to a tackle. I introduced myself and asked him to include prevention of skin cancer and melanoma in his future speeches.

Perhaps it was viewed as a rather brazen and reckless moment. But that's what happens with the empowerment that comes from committed advocacy. I believe I can make a difference.

We gathered for the closing event filled with a fresh resolve. While the vocal duet sang “The Prayer,” emotions spilled over, in sync with the moment. Time seemed to stand still. The day had ended.

Defining moments slip up quietly, not unlike a full moon rising in an early September sky. I chose a spot to sit along the wall surrounding the Reflecting Pool and in the still of the night, revisited the experience of the day. The moon that is my symbol for the promise of life… gradually changed from yellow to a beautiful frosty white. Suddenly, its awesome presence reminded me of the significance of the moment.

Sixteen thousand glowing luminaries surrounded the pool like beacons of hope. I spoke the names of 43 melanoma patients with a prayer for their recovery. A smallness of self enveloped me that remains today. Gratitude for my life and acknowledgment of the work to be done is paramount.

It was not an ordinary moment.

Kansas City Cancer Information Project Home Page Project empowers patients to be their own advocates
Politics and Melanoma Please join Karen Velasquez's grassroots letter campaign to federal lawmakers
Melanoma Patients' Information Page Lobbying effort in Washington, DC
CNN.com - Skip the tan, save your skin - May 21, 2002 Tennessee legislators strengthten tanning bed laws to protect teens
Shonda Schilling, wife of Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt, is a melanoma survivor and advocate.

Disclaimer:  This site was designed as a result of personal experience and is offered for educational purposes only. It is not engaged in rendering medical advice. The information offered here should not be used for diagnosis or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.