Reasons to Relay #3 -- Advocacy

The 2013 Relay For Life of Bethel is an overnight, grassroots fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.  This year's event will take place on Saturday, June 8.  Since it's 2013, we'll be sharing 13 reasons why YOU should join us at Relay For Life.  Reason #3 is Advocacy.

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Quick Quiz:

What organization is the nation's largest funder of cancer research?

Nope, it's not the American Cancer Society -- it's the U.S. Federal Government!

One of the American Cancer Society's roles, through its advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), is to ensure that elected officials and policy makers at all levels of government make the fight against cancer a top local, state, and national priority.

Results of this advocacy include:

• Coverage of cancer screenings, included mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap tests in many health insurance plans.

• 30 states and thousands of communities are smoke-free, covering in the neighborhood of 79% of the U.S. population.

• Higher taxes on cigarettes to help reduce smoking rates and, in turn, deaths from cancer.

Relay For Life helps to raise the funds needed for the ACS to continue their advocacy.  Relay is also an opportunity to learn how you can participate in these advocacy efforts, and help keep the fight against cancer at the top of the priority list.

Oh, by the way -- the nation's second largest funder of cancer research?  The American Cancer Society!

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For more information about the Relay For Life of Bethel, please visit our website.

Previous Reasons to Relay:

#1: Research
#2: Education