Breast Cancer Coalition’s Advocacy Committee Empowers Survivor Advocates and Supports Impactful Legislation
Rochester, NY – The Breast Cancer Coalition is amplifying the voices of individuals affected by breast and gynecologic cancers through its Advocacy Committee, a dedicated group of survivor advocates, community members, and Coalition representatives working to influence public policy at the local, state, and federal levels. By sharing their lived experiences with elected officials and supporting legislation that addresses cancer prevention, access to care, and health equity, committee members are helping shape policies that impact thousands of people across New York and beyond.
Renee Nearpass co-chairs the Advocacy Committee. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside passionate advocates who share a commitment to creating meaningful change for those affected by breast and gynecologic cancers,” said Nearpass. “Committee members have been remarkable in using their voices to bring attention to important issues, strengthen relationships with our local, state, and federal leaders, and advocate for policies that can have a profound impact on the lives of those affected by these diseases.”
On the state level, the committee has focused on reducing environmental exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals that have links to hormone-sensitive cancers like breast, gynecologic, thyroid and prostate. Advocacy Committee members like Mary Ellen Capineri have been involved in supporting legislation that addresses these issues.
“One reason that the Advocacy Committee inspires me is that they never waver in their devotion to health care justice,” said Capineri. “Knowing these women as I do, I am certain that they will never abandon the belief that someday breast and gynecologic cancers will be illnesses of the past. Their work to support legislation banning endocrine-disrupting chemicals from our personal care products is just one bold step on their journey to achieve that end, and I am privileged to be a part of it.”
On the federal level, the Coalition’s Advocacy Committee continues to support legislation like the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act (H.R.2048), which would waive the 5-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance and the subsequent 24-month waiting period for Medicare for individuals under age 65 living with metastatic breast cancer. This bill has been introduced into the past several Congresses, and with continued efforts and highlighting survivor voices, the Coalition’s Advocacy Committee members hope to see this bill pass by the end of this year.
The Breast Cancer Coalition’s four pillars of service (Support, Education, Research, Advocacy) are the organization’s foundation to serving those impacted by breast or gynecologic cancer. Its commitment to grassroots advocacy represents the organization’s values of compassion, empowerment and collaboration, and its mission to ultimately eradicate breast and gynecologic cancers.
To learn more about the advocacy work at the Breast Cancer Coalition, visit bccr.org/advocacy, email info@bccr.org or call (585) 473-8177.