My name is Janet Miles and I am going to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s Celebration on the Hill on Sept. 20 because it is an opportunity for survivors, loved ones, caregivers and volunteers to gather together in Washington, D.C. to lobby our lawmakers, as a group of 4,000, for laws that will help fight cancer. I want our lawmakers to know how their decisions can help the fight against cancer and ultimately save lives.

Tents – one for each state – will line a track around the reflecting pool, while survivors and caregivers are honored. As participants walk the track, the celebration ambassadors will take our message to lawmakers. At dusk, luminaries purchased by individuals throughout the country will be lit to honor those who have survived cancer and in memory of those we have lost.

I am a survivor of cancer. I watched it take a brother of mine, who was only 52 when he died. I have watched family and friends endure the ravages of the disease, some with success and others not. It is my aspiration that the suffering from cancer can come to an end.

It is my desire that we will be bringing back a message of hope to our communities and to the state of Maine that our lawmakers will be making cancer a priority, that they are committed to elevating prevention, committed to increasing research funding and expanding access to care.

Janet Miles, Lewiston