July 31, 2006                                                                  Just 49 days until Celebration on the Hill!

Why we’re headed to Washington D.C.

Michigan and Connecticut Representatives First to Sign the ACS CAN Congressional Cancer Promise

Celebration on the Hill 2006 will take place in Washington, D.C. on September 19 and 20, but Celebration Ambassadors are already paving the way to success by encouraging their lawmakers to sign the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network^SM (ACS CAN) Congressional Cancer Promise. The Promise outlines the steps Congress must take in the near term to put the country on track toward accomplishing the nation’s challenge goal of eliminating suffering and death from cancer by 2015. By signing the Congressional Cancer Promise, lawmakers commit to working to elevate prevention, early detection and survivorship, increase the nation’s commitment to research, and expand access to healthcare.

The first two lawmakers to sign the ACS CAN Congressional Cancer Promise include:

Congressman Dale Kildee (Michigan) – At a district meeting with Celebration Ambassadors in July, Rep. Kildee was the first member to sign the Congressional Cancer Promise. He also showed his support by signing the Relay For Life Wall of Hope.

Congressman Rob Simmons (Connecticut) – Rep. Simmons was the second member to sign the Congressional Cancer Promise during a district visit from Celebration Ambassadors in Norwich, CT.

As other lawmakers sign the Promise, their names will be added to a list on www.acscan.org.

During their meetings with lawmakers, Celebration Ambassadors are also emphasizing two key items in the Cancer Promise: the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and federal funding for cancer research and programs.

Community Voices CAN! – An Evening on the Hill – September 19

It’s the place to be Tuesday, September 19^th – the City Museum of Washington, D.C.

• CANdid Conversations  is an elite opportunity to interact and mingle with Senator Clinton, Speaker Gingrich and Sam Donaldson. Tickets for this exclusive event are VERY limited, so purchase yours today!   Cost is $1,000 (covers admission to all three CAN activities).
• CANpaign for Change  will feature sports celebrities, national leaders in the fight against cancer and live entertainment. Cost is $250 (covers admission to the CAN Opener, too).
• CAN Opener is an important event and one that all staff and ambassadors are encouraged to attend as it is the kick-off rally for both ACS CAN and Celebration on the Hill. Dinner, entertainment, celebrities, ambassadors and friends…what could be more exciting and fun!  The cost is $65 (the value of a nice dinner in D.C.).

Purchase your tickets online at www.celebrationonthehill.org  Do it now!  Tickets are limited and prices go up on September 1! (Ticket prices benefit ACS CAN and are not tax deductible.)    

Together, our voices CAN make a difference in Washington, D.C.

The lay of the land…Great West Division wins Scavenger Hunt in D.C.

For several members of the Celebration on the Hill Division Implementation Team and the team captains for the Multi-State Implementation Teams, the second week in July was one of building enthusiasm, loads of information, planning, and almost unbearable heat and humidity.  Eleven staff from the Great West Division who have been working on the implementation of Celebration on the Hill traveled to Washington D.C. to do a walk-thru in preparation for the event in September. 

What started out as a fairly normal American Cancer Society meeting turned into a race around D.C.  Each Division was challenged in a Photo Scavenger Hunt, which was not only fun and encouraged team building, but ultimately served the purpose of getting to know D.C. better so they are familiar with the area by September.  The determination that is so common among staff and volunteers in the Great West Division prevailed and, after a final sprint to the finish line, the Great West Division team emerged victorious over all other divisions of the American Cancer Society. 

On September 19 and 20, this group will be guiding the 300+ Celebration Ambassadors from the Great West Division through Washington, D.C. where they will share their cancer-related stories with their Congressional leaders.

Celebration on the Hill: Click to Connect

As Celebration on the Hill trainings continue across the nation, Ambassadors are learning the power of sharing their stories with each other… and what a difference those stories will make when we come together in Washington, D.C. on September 20^th. Don’t forget that you can connect with Ambassadors from your own state or district team as well as those from all across America by visiting www.celebrationonthehill.org. Just click on the map on the left navigation bar on the home page, then click the “Visit the Celebration Space” button at the bottom of the page. You’ll only need to perform a simple registration to get started sharing your experiences with other Celebration on the Hill Ambassadors.

Research in Action

Cancer Prevention Study-3 Enrollment at Celebration on the Hill

The American Cancer Society’s Department of Epidemiology and Surveillance Research is launching a new historic research study, the Cancer Prevention Study-3. The Society’s Cancer Prevention Studies first began in the 1950’s and have significantly contributed to tobacco-related research, and the understanding of obesity, diet, physical activity, hormone use, air pollution, and various other exposures in relation to cancer and other disease risk. The 3^rd Cancer Prevention Study will help us better understand the lifestyle, behavioral, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer and  put us one step closer to ultimately eliminating cancer as a major health problem for this and future generations.

The goal of the Cancer Prevention Study-3 is to enroll 500,000 adults from various geographic and racial/ethnic backgrounds across the U.S. The study will follow men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 years who have never been diagnosed with cancer. Participants will complete a brief survey and provide a waist measurement and a small blood sample. Participants will then be asked to complete a follow-up questionnaire every few years for the next 20 to 30 years.

Interested individuals will have the unique opportunity to demonstrate research in action by enrolling in the study during Celebration on the Hill 2006 in Washington, D.C. Enrollment will take place at the Convention Center and on the National Mall. Please visit www.cancer.org/cps3 to get more information about the study and to find out the most up-to-date enrollment times and locations during Celebration on the Hill.

Great West Leads Celebration on the Hill Training

As of July 22, approximately 2,100 Volunteer & Staff Ambassadors were trained on the issues that the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network will take to Congress on September 20^th…among them 305 from the Great West Division.  In addition to the legislative issues, almost half of all Ambassadors nationwide received advanced training in grassroots action and media advocacy centered around these issues.

The Great West Ambassador trainings were held in June and served as pacesetters in the training process.  Other Divisions throughout the Society have used some Great West training techniques as best practices including a session focused on Celebration on the Hill Logistics and our training theme: “Mission Possible.”

The Society is at the half-way point on our quest to train over 4,000 Ambassadors and staff representing all 435 United States Congressional Districts, making Celebration On The Hill an unprecedented event in the history of cancer advocacy.

Did You Know?

Did you know that there is no "J" Street in Washington, DC and that there is more than one Reflecting Pool in our nation’s capital? (Legend has it that some supporters at Celebration on the Hill 2002 first went to the reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial to register, since that is the landmark more people are familiar with.) You can learn more about the impressive sights you’ll see while in Washington, D.C. – as well familiarize yourself with the geography you’ll be visiting – by checking out D.C. on the Web.

According to the National Park Service web site (http://www.nps.gov/nacc/home.htm ), National Mall and Memorial Parks (NAMA) is responsible for over 1,000 acres of the most significant natural and cultural resources in the United States. The sites of NAMA are cherished symbols of our nation, known worldwide and depicted on everything from currency to the nightly news. Located in the core of the nation's capital, NAMA administers, interprets, maintains and preserves the Washington Monument, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House, the National Mall, East and West Potomac Parks, Constitution Gardens, 60 statues, and numerous other historic sites, memorials, and parklands.

You’re going to be in one of the most acclaimed cities in the world. Take time to appreciate all that’s there. You can find more information about Washington, DC by visiting www.washington.org .

A map of the Metro system is included at the end of this newsletter.

Celebration Honorary Co-Chairs Named

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network would like to thank and recognize all of the Celebration on the Hill Honorary Co-Chairs. These U.S. Senators and Representatives have and continue to be strong supporters of ACS CAN and our mission:

Representative Dennis Hastert, Representative John Boehner, Representative Nancy Pelosi, Representative Deborah Pryce, Representative Steve Israel, Representative Sue Myrick, Representative Lois Capps, Representative Clay Shaw, Representative Collin Peterson, Senator Bill Frist, Senator Harry Reid, Senator Sam Brownback, Senator Dianne Feinstein.

Spotlight on: Karen Horowitz, Massachusetts Ambassador

Karen Horowitz has an amazing volunteer spirit that is a true inspiration to others. After surviving breast cancer twice, and losing her father to lung cancer, Karen has made a commitment to the fight against cancer. 

Since 1998 Karen has been donating her time and talent to Relay For Life. She is currently finishing up her second term as Chair of the Relay For Life in Ashland, and she also served as the Survivor Chair of the event. Her passion for Relay For Life made Karen a perfect selection as a Celebration on Hill Ambassador. This September, she’ll take her second trip to Washington DC; she attended the first Celebration on the Hill event in 2002. 

Karen is also an avid Making Strides Against Breast Cancer volunteer. She leads a team each October of family and friends around the Hatch Shell in Boston, to raise funds for breast cancer research. In fact, Karen has raised so much money for the event that she has achieved Pacesetter status. Pacesetters are an elite group of fundraisers, who participate in the MSABC walk, and receive special opportunities and invitations based on their status. 

In her spare time, she drives cancer patients to treatment for the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program. Karen’s tireless efforts have made her an invaluable volunteer for the American Cancer Society and a true inspiration for all. She continues her hard work, “for myself and other survivors and for those friends I have lost to breast and other cancers”, stated Karen. 

Light the Path to a Cure in DC

The images of more than 16,000 luminaria illuminating the path around the Capitol Reflecting Pool during Celebration on the Hill 2002 are hard to forget. Not only did each candle burning send yet another message to our lawmakers about the strength and passion of volunteers committed to the fight against cancer, they also represented the lives of loved ones from across the country who have battled cancer. You can remember someone lost to cancer or honor someone who has faced the disease by purchasing a luminaria to be lit at Celebration on the Hill 2006. Visit www.celebrationonthehill.org for more information.

Relay For Life Wall of Hope Continues to Grow

As many legislators in DC head home for Summer Recess, Ambassadors continue getting the Wall of Hope banners in front of their elected officials.  That means more awareness AND more signatures! 

Delaware -- At the Milford Relay For Life, Gov. Minner signed the American Cancer Society’s Wall of Hope banner.

Michigan - At a Congressional recess meeting with Celebration Ambassadors, Rep. Dale Kildee (D-MI) signed not only the Wall of Hope BUT also the Congressional Cancer Promise. Congratulations to the Michigan team for getting the FIRST member to sign the Congressional Cancer Promise!

Missouri – Celebration Ambassador, Karen McKay, and North County Relay Chair, Delilah Morkisz, taped the News 20 program promoting the North County Relay and Celebration on the Hill. It was broadcast to over one million viewers in St. Louis County  and part of St. Charles.

Why we are headed to Washington D.C.

Washington will never be the same after 4,000 Celebration Ambassadors and thousands of other cancer advocates come to town to ask three things of our Nation’s elected officials. We are all headed to D.C. to present lawmakers with requests that will keep the American Cancer Society and the current Administration on track to reach the national challenge goal of eliminating suffering and death due to cancer by the year 2015. We will ask them to:

1. Reauthorize and invest more money in the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) – This important Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) program has been enormously successful at providing low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women access to lifesaving breast and cervical cancer screenings. However, with its current funding, only one in five eligible women is currently being served. So, what about the other four?
2. Boost federal funding for cancer research and programs – After doubling the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) budget between 1998 and 2003, last year, Congress approved the first cuts in NIH funding in 35 years and the first cuts in cancer funding in 10 years. These cuts threaten the impressive progress we have made in recent years in the war on cancer and we need to know that our lawmakers are committed to increasing the nation’s research. 
3. Sign the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network^sm (ACS CAN) Congressional Cancer Promise – This promise outlines the steps Congress must take in the near term to put the country on track toward accomplishing the national 2015 challenge goal. They must elevate prevention, early detection and survivorship, increase the nation’s commitment to research, and expand access to care.

Celebration on the Hill promises to be a huge success due to the passion, drive, and commitment each Ambassador, survivor, and supporter brings to the effort. This September, we will make our voices heard on Capitol Hill!

Great West Ambassadors meet to prepare for Hill visit: Mission Possible!

During the month of June all the Great West Ambassadors met at one of three venues to prepare for their September 20 visit to The Hill. The meeting rooms were alive with energy! Themed Mission Possible, the agenda had attendees practicing their stories, identifying key objections and corresponding responses, and planning recess activities for their Relay For Life Wall of Hope banners.  Ambassadors embraced the three ‘asks’ (above), weaving their own experience with cancer into their messages. 

The success and impact of the Mission Possible trainings was due to a concerted effort on the part of many staff and volunteers.  Particularly deserving of recognition are the Ambassador speakers who shared their personal, inspirational stories (Iris Tolley, UT, and Kelley Pickering, CO).  Additionally, three of our Great West Board members who are also Celebration Ambassadors (Rob Youle, CO; Eric Taylor, WA; and Pamela Meyerhoffer, AZ) shared their leadership insights, motivation and encouragement at the training sessions.

Training Take-aways:  1) Review and rehearse the three ‘asks.’  Don’t share them with your legislators before your September visit. 2) Registration deadline for Celebration on the Hill is June 30.  Changes or reservations made after June 30 will result in additional costs. 3) Schedule your air travel into Reagan/National DCI airport.  Transfers to the hotel will be most direct from this airport. 4) Remember we have Great West brunch business meeting on September 19 as well as the evening ASC CAN Opener.  Block these activities on your calendar.  5) Visit www.celebrationonthehill.org and CelebrationSpace – your primary source for news and details about Celebration on the Hill.

Every state tent on The Mall will have its own look and feel

Ambassadors throughout the country, including the Great West, are working together to gather tent decorations that will illustrate and demonstrate something special about their state on The Mall at Celebration on the Hill.   A very special thank you goes out to the staff leads and their creative team of ambassadors!!  We look forward to seeing your hard work on display in Washington, D.C., September 20! 

Spotlight on: Robin Baum, Ohio Ambassador

Robin Baum, Celebration on the Hill 2006 Ambassador from Ohio, explained in her Ambassador application why she’s so dedicated to making a difference in the fight against cancer.  “I lost three family members to cancer in quick succession in the 90's. My 13-year-old daughter, Kyla, died unexpectedly of complications from chemotherapy for leukemia. My grandmother then died of metastasized breast cancer at age 97. Finally, my father died of laryngeal cancer from smoking since he was 14. As you can surmise, these three deaths impacted the way I feel about communicating the importance of cancer research, cancer prevention and education, and cancer patient support, all of which are key missions of the ACS. I feel that by telling my stories and speaking forcefully about the importance of these issues, I can impact legislators. I also believe that ACS is the most effective organization I can work with because it deals with all kinds of cancer rather than only breast or other specific cancers. We need cures for them all and support for patients suffering from them all.”

Spotlight on: Lee Carter, M.D., Tennessee Ambassador

“How can this much work be this much fun?”

In Tennessee, Dr. Lee Carter tackles every day with this philosophy.  As a physician, Dr. Carter has been helping his patients stay healthy and overcome illnesses for 15 years.  As a Mid-South Division Ambassador, he has dedicated himself to the fight against cancer. 

After his brother was diagnosed with cancer (melanoma), Dr. Carter took the initiative to get more involved with the American Cancer Society – on all fronts.  He volunteered to chair a brand new Relay For Life event in his home town of Huntingdon, Tenn., took an active role in promoting the ACS advocacy agenda and spoke to countless people about taking steps to prevent cancer.

Like many of his fellow Mid-South Ambassadors, Dr. Carter can hardly wait to help make Celebration on the Hill 2006 a huge success. “Standing should to shoulder with thousands of passionate folks from all over the country is truly an awesome experience,” Carter said.  “I am eagerly looking forward to taking the fight against cancer back to our nation’s capitol.”  A proud member of ACS CAN, Dr. Carter will serve his second “tour of duty” as a Celebration on the Hill Ambassador in 2006.

Community Voices Can – An Evening on the Hill

Come join thousands of advocates, volunteers and Celebration Ambassadors for a powerful evening of inspiration, entertainment and food. Three different events will be held on the evening of September 19, 2006 – CANdid Conversations, an intimate meet and greet; CANpaign for Change, a private reception; and CAN Opener: The Rally!  Just confirmed, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House and founder of the Center for Health Transformation will be attending CANdid Conversations and making an appearance at CAN Opener: The Rally!

The advance ticket price for the CAN Opener rally is $65 person (ticket prices good through August 31; proceeds benefit ACS CAN and are not deductible). 

To learn more about each of these events, and to purchase tickets, please visit www.celebrationonthehill.org.  

Together, our voices CAN make a difference in Washington, D.C.

And the performers are...

The Celebration on the Hill Task Force Entertainment Committee has been hard at work the last six months collecting nominees and processing applications of acts to perform on-stage on the National Mall on September 20, 2006. 

The task presented to the Entertainment Committee was enormous - more than 75 nominations to perform were received.  Each of the nominees was extremely talented and the committee carefully reviewed each demo presentation and application.   We enjoyed listening and watching - but unfortunately could not select everyone. 

Congratulations to all those invited to perform:

Kim Armstrong                                                                     South Atlantic

NoHelani Cypriano and Krista Guiteras                           High Plains

Thelma Sousan                                                                     High Plains

Jay Wiley                                                                              Pennsylvania

Carson Hand                                                                         South Atlantic

Alec Bridges                                                                         California

Jarrod McNaughton                                                            California

Chanda Heyward                                                                 South Atlantic

Nichole Rezac                                                                       High Plains

Rusti Love                                                                             High Plains

Bates Entertainment                                                            New England

Rough Jazz                                                                            South Atlantic

Marianne Beard                                                                    Midsouth

Ty Nelson                                                                             California

Lauren Slater                                                                         High Plains

Christine Van Hoy                                                               California

Kirstie Finley                                                                        South Atlantic

Hermosa                                                                                South Atlantic

Tricia Walker                                                                        South Atlantic

Chad Mackey                                                                       South Atlantic     

Rhythm Room                                                                       New England

Angela Rose Fox and Heather Waxman                           New England

Seth Glier                                                                               New England

Tom Willner                                                                          National Home Office

Delores Burgess                                                                   South Atlantic

Check out Celebration on the Hill in cyberspace

As Celebration on the Hill draws closer, there are several opportunities to connect with others who plan to head to The Hill. One way to be in touch with Ambassadors and supporters from across the nation is to visit www.celebrationonthehill.org. The Web site offers general information about the event and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network^SM (ACSCAN) including streaming video of American Cancer Society CEO Dr. John Seffrin talking about this year’s event as well as highlights from Celebration on the Hill 2002!

Also on www.celebrationonthehill.org is a link to CelebrationSpace – a discussion forum for sharing stories with your fellow ambassadors, information about Celebration details, specifics from the Great West Division.  Take a moment to jump onto CelebrationSpace.  Tell your story and get acquainted!

Relay For Life Wall of Hope on display at National Home Office

Every state, including 12 in the Great West Division, will be featured throughout the Relay For Life Wall of Hope monument at Celebration on the Hill.  When you stroll through the massive monument, you will surely be moved by the signatures, the stories and the people you represent from back home!

Staff from the National Home Office “passed the hat” around the building to sponsor their very own community Relay For Life Wall of Hope banner. The banner, as well as a story panel featuring Ron Jackson, is on display in the lobby of the National Home Office to allow visitors a “sneak peek” at what the actual monument will look like… an impressive display!

New England Plans Candlelight Vigils in Support of Celebration on the Hill

In support of Celebration on the Hill, the New England Division is encouraging ambassadors’ family and friends to join with Society volunteers, and others who have been touched by cancer at candlelight vigils throughout the region on the evening of September 20.   Throughout New England, hundreds of supporters will stand in solidarity with our dedicated ambassadors, demonstrating their commitment to fighting cancer, at home and in Washington.  Ambassadors will be invited to “pass the torch” to their loved ones before departing for Washington.  Each ambassador will be given 10 tapers with Celebration on the Hill drip catchers, and encouraged to distribute them to supporters.  Supporters can plan gatherings at specific locations in their communities or organize vigil activities at their homes.

Together, we are making the United States smoke-free!

Throughout the country, the Society is actively engaged in smoke-free campaigns, continuing its commitment to protecting the health of workers from the deadly effects of secondhand smoke.  A special thanks to the Society’s hard work and volunteer dedication, Celebration on the Hill 2006 is to be held in a smoke-free city, our nation’s Capitol. 

Washington, D.C. went smoke-free on April 4, 2006 and joined the ever-growing list of smoke-free communities, cities and states throughout our nation.  New York City, Austin and Boston have adopted smoke-free policies, as have California, Florida, New Jersey, Washington State and, most recently, Colorado. 

The Washington, D.C. Council passed smoke-free legislation that would make indoor workplaces in the nation’s Capitol smoke-free.  Restaurants in the District are included immediately, while bars will be smoke-free starting in January of 2007.

To find out if your community, city or state is currently working on smoke-free legislation, contact your Relay Advocacy Chair or local Government Relations staffer today!