Virginia was well represented again this year at the 2026 National Breast Cancer Coalition’s Annual Advocate Leadership Summit and Lobby Day, held April 25–28 in Washington, DC. VBCF awarded Karin Decker Noss Scholarships* to seven volunteer advocates to attend.
Attendees participated in three days of scientific plenaries led by leading breast cancer researchers, as well as advocacy training workshops to prepare for meetings on Capitol Hill. On Lobby Day, Virginia advocates showed amazing stamina, logging more than 16,000 steps and six miles walking through the halls of Congress.
The group met with staff from nine Virginia Representatives’ offices and both U.S. Senators. VBCF is grateful to this wonderful group of breast cancer survivors and thrivers who took the time to make their voices heard loud and clear about what matters to breast cancer patients.
“I am always grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of a team that works so tirelessly to be a voice for those who may not be able to speak up for themselves. My heart remembers those who have gone before and appreciates the opportunities that families like Karin Decker Noss’s provide to advance the mission of ending breast cancer.”
— Leanne K., VBCF Board Member and advocate, Richlands, VA
NBCC Summit Highlights
One of the highlights of the Summit was the opportunity to hear from a giant in breast cancer research, Dr. Dennis Slamon. Dr. Slamon led the research that resulted in the development of the breakthrough drug Herceptin, used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer. Often called “the drug that changed the breast cancer treatment landscape,” Herceptin has saved millions of women’s lives by targeting cancer at its genetic roots.
Other insightful workshops and plenaries examined the use of artificial intelligence in breast cancer research and the progress being made by the Artemis Project to advance prevention science and end metastasis.
VBCF Board Member Hanna Kebede reflected:
“I really enjoyed the session on using AI to help determine second-line therapies for patients, as well as to assist in diagnosing breast cancer. By analyzing mammograms, AI can help diagnose breast cancer or assess a patient’s risk.”
“I had the opportunity to learn more about current research, policy initiatives, and the urgent need for continued funding and innovation, especially for aggressive and metastatic breast cancers. Hearing directly from scientists, legislators, and fellow advocates reinforced how important patient voices are in shaping the future of cancer research and care.”
— Valerie L., Spotsylvania, VA
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Lobby Day Highlights
VBCF advocates were fortunate to spend much of their time on Capitol Hill on an “appreciation tour,” thanking U.S. House members for co-sponsoring the H.R. 2048 Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act.
As you may know, this bill has bipartisan support from all 11 Virginia U.S. Representatives. Advocates thanked legislators for supporting this important bill, which would eliminate the arbitrary waiting periods for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (five months) and Medicare coverage (24 months) for individuals living with metastatic breast cancer.
Waiving these waiting periods would allow patients to access needed health care sooner and help lessen their stress and financial burden.
Lobby Day attendees also urged legislators to support appropriations funding of $150 million for Fiscal Year 2027 for the U.S. Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program (DOD BCRP). This program has strong bipartisan support in Congress and a long track record of producing innovative, high-impact breast cancer research.
In fact, the first funding for Dr. Slamon’s research that led to the development of Herceptin came from the DOD BCRP. During Lobby Day, several Virginia advocates shared with legislators that the drug treatment protocols they have used were developed through DOD-funded research.
What makes the DOD BCRP unique is that decisions about what research receives funding are made through a partnership between scientists and consumers. This means breast cancer patients have a seat at the table as peer reviewers helping make critical decisions about research funding. VBCF advocates serve on these peer review panels every year.
“Lobby Day was a great experience for me. It was my first time on Capitol Hill, and I appreciated the opportunity to see members of Congress and their legislative assistants in action. I now better understand how advocacy efforts help move important legislation forward to benefit cancer patients and their families.”
— Hanna K., VBCF Board Member, Chantilly, VA
Continuing the Work
Our huge thanks go to the dedicated volunteer advocates who participated in the NBCC Summit and Lobby Day with us this year. We made a big impact, and we cannot do this important work without you.
VBCF will continue monitoring federal developments 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 Advocacy Action 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.
