“As a federal representative and a cancer survivor, I am fully committed to providing a strong voice in Congress for cancer patients, survivors, advocacy organizations and families in my district and around the nation,” said Fitzpatrick. “The fight against cancer is one that transcends politics and I am proud to lead the bipartisan push for the awareness and funding we need to put an end to the despicable disease.”
Fitzpatrick, a member of the Childhood Cancer Caucus, Skin Cancer Caucus, and Rare Disease Caucus, has been a tireless advocate for cancer-related causes during his time on Capitol Hill. He has worked to solidify $29.9 billion in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for FY14 – a $1 billion increase from the previous year and has been a leader in supporting legislation to combat breast cancer and to prioritizing research efforts for pediatric diseases. In March, Fitzpatrick was the keynote speaker at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) congressional briefing on the state of cancer research funding and was featured in the group’s 2013 Cancer Progress Report.
“American science and innovation has changed the way the world thinks about and treats cancer; it is imperative that Congress does its part to encourage discovery and support those on the frontlines of life-saving research,” said Fitzpatrick. “I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to prioritize cancer research and prevention efforts as part of a larger, national health initiative that increases the quality of life for all Americans.”
The award was presented to Fitzpatrick by Ed Scholl of Quakertown, Bucks County, who has been involved with cancer advocacy on both the local and federal levels for years with the organization Cancer Action Network.
“Since 2005 when Congressman Fitzpatrick was first elected he has not just been a supporter of cancer research, prevention and early detection, he has been a champion of the cause. This OVAC award is a recognition from every major cancer organization in the country uniting in identifying Congressman Fitzpatrick as one whose support has been critical in leading the way in Washington, as well as every corner of the country, in finding a cure,” said Scholl.“It’s an honor and a privilege to have someone like Mike partner with volunteers in his district to take a national lead in fighting back against this disease that takes too many.”
“One Voice Against Cancer is proud to recognize Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick during this year’s lobby day with its 2014 Congressional Cancer Champion Award for his leadership and commitment to cancer research and prevention,” said Dick Woodruff, Chairman of One Voice Against Cancer and Vice President for Federal Relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “Congressman Fitzpatrick has worked across the aisle to build Congressional support for lifesaving cancer research, prevention, and early detection programs.”
In 2014, there will be an estimated 1,665,540 new cancer cases diagnosed and 585,720 cancer deaths in the U.S. Cancer remains the second most common cause of death in the US, accounting for nearly one of every four deaths.