Advocating for Cancer Research: An Alabama Survivor’s Fight on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Gary Cornelius, an Alabama father and cancer survivor, is taking his fight for cancer research funding to Capitol Hill amid potential cuts proposed by the Trump administration. Diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2002, Cornelius credits his life and ability to watch his daughter grow up to a clinical trial funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Cancer Institute.
"I’m alive today because of research funding that was supported 30 years ago," Cornelius declared. His participation in clinical trials allowed him to be present for significant moments in his daughter’s life, such as teaching her to drive and cheering her on at tennis championships.
Cornelius, now a volunteer with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, met with Alabama lawmakers to advocate for sustained federal investment in essential cancer research. Under the Trump administration, programs aimed at health research have faced instability, including staff reductions and potential caps on NIH grant funding.
"If we cut research funding, we’re affecting generations to come," Cornelius warned, emphasizing the risks of losing talented researchers essential to the U.S. healthcare system. His testimony coincided with that of Dr. Barry Sleckman, director of UAB’s O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, where he illustrated the indispensable role federal funding plays in biomedical research.
U.S. Senator Katie Britt, who introduced Dr. Sleckman, echoed the importance of wise investments in medical research, particularly in cancer prevention, noting the lack of industry revenue streams for this work. The hearing showcased bipartisan support for maintaining critical funding, offering hope to advocates like Cornelius who seek to ensure that future generations will benefit from ongoing advancements in cancer treatment.
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