By Kirsta Millar, Director of Policy
A strong and mighty contingent of Virginia advocates made the trip to Washington, DC for the 2025 National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) Advocate Leadership Summit and Lobby Day, May 3-6. VBCF awarded Noss Scholarships* to seven volunteer advocates from all regions of the Commonwealth to attend. Advocates traveled from Richlands in SWVA, Hampton in the SE, Charlottesville, Farmville, Richmond, and Petersburg in Central VA, and Leesburg in NOVA.
VBCF knows it is a particularly important year to be engaged with Virginia legislators on Capitol Hill, as Congress is considering devastating funding cuts that would significantly impact breast cancer research, access to health care, and vital breast cancer screening and treatment programs. We were thrilled to have such a large group of advocates join us.
“In the landscape of today’s politics, it is more critical than ever to make your needs heard- It may feel like you’re screaming into the wind with all the noise and chaos of the political climate. This is the time when it is most important to remind those that serve your area of the needs of that specific area. What you represent may not be represented by anyone else.”
VBCF Noss Recipient Leanne K., Richlands, VA
2025 NBCC Leadership Summit
The 2025 Summit featured plenary sessions and workshops by prominent researchers and public policy experts. Advocacy training workshops also helped participants prepare for their meetings on Lobby Day.
“I especially appreciated the science-based presentations. Sessions such as the Artemis Plenary, Breast Cancer 101, The Science of Stopping Breast Cancer Before It Starts,and Advances and Insights in the Breast Cancer Treatment Landscape were not only informative, but deeply moving. Learning things I wish I had known earlier in my journey stirred up a mix of sadness, frustration, and fear. But those emotions gave way to hope as I listened to passionate scientists discuss their research and innovative approaches to treatment.
VBCF Noss Recipient Andrea M. Midlothian, VA
Unite To End Breast Cancer Rally & Lobby Day – May 6th
The Unite to End Breast Cancer Rally on Capitol Hill helped kick off NBCC Lobby Day. Advocates were inspired by remarks from several members of Congress who are ardent supporters of breast cancer research and access issues. One of the highlights was hearing from Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14th), who has been the chief sponsor of the Metastatic Access to Care Act since 2018 and reintroduced it recently for the 119th Congress.
“You all can be very proud that this is one of the most bipartisan pieces of legislation. During the last Congress we had 270 bipartisan co-sponsors. But it is time to pass it into law!” She sent over 200 advocates off with encouraging words, “I see you all have comfortable shoes on and I want you to really take the hill today!”
Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14th)
VBCF advocates spent the rest of Lobby Day meeting with Virginia legislators about key priorities:
- H.R. 2048, the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act, would eliminate the arbitrary waiting periods for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (5 months) and Medicare coverage (24 months) for those with metastatic breast cancer. Waiving these waiting periods would allow patients to gain access to the health care they need sooner and help lessen their stress and financial burden. So far, Representative Jennifer McClellan (VA-4th) is the only Virginia legislator who has signed on as a co-sponsor of the bill, but we will be working hard to get every member of our delegation on board.
- Level funding ($150 million for FY26) for the US Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program (DOD BCRP). This program produces innovative, high-impact breast cancer research through a partnership of scientists and consumers and is responsible for breakthroughs like the development of Herceptin to treat HER2+ breast cancer. Fortunately, the DOD BCRP program was spared major cuts during the recent FY25 budget reconciliation process. Congressional staff from the Appropriations Committee told NBCC that this is because the program has strong bipartisan support, a proven track record, and has dedicated advocates who passionately speak out about why it is so vitally important, each and every year. During Lobby Day, several Virginia advocates shared with legislators that the drug treatment protocols they have used were developed through DOD BCRP research. As of 5/15, five of Virginia’s Representatives – Beyer (VA-8th), Connolly (VA-11th), Kiggans (VA-2nd), McClellan (VA-4th) – signed a Congressional “Dear Colleague” letter to indicate their support for FY26 funding.
- Protecting Medicaid: Nearly 2 million Virginians, including many breast cancer patients, depend on Medicaid/CHIP for their health care. Congress is considering catastrophic cuts to Medicaid that would cause low-income Virginians to become uninsured while cutting payments to the hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other health providers on which all Virginians rely. Rural areas, where cancer care is already difficult, would be among the hardest hit. Medicaid serves a crucial role in providing care for low-income women with breast cancer. The Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program provides enhanced matching funds to Virginia to provide Medicaid coverage to uninsured or underinsured women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through Virginia’s free screening program, Every Woman’s Life (EWL). Any cuts to Medicaid could dismantle this life-saving treatment program. Our message to Congress: Please stand with Virginians and preserve funding for Medicaid.
We’d like to give a huge thanks to the dedicated volunteer advocates who participated in the NBCC Summit and Lobby Day with us this year. You made a big impact, and we cannot do this important work without you!
VBCF will continue to monitor developments on the federal level that impact breast cancer patients, cancer research, and access to health care. If you are interested in getting involved in VBCF’s advocacy efforts, please contact: kirsta@vbcf.org and sign up for our Advocacy Action Alerts at: https://www.vbcf.org/advocacy-alerts/
*VBCF’s Noss Scholarship funds training for volunteer advocates in legislative advocacy and medical research to carry on the work that Karin Decker Noss, a dedicated board member, and former VBCF president, began.
