2/27/2013
UPDATE: National Brain Tumor Society led a group of 21 leading organizations dedicated to the brain tumor community in sending a strong warning to Congress about the potential impact of cuts to government-funded biomedical research through NIH.
Together, the group represents the hundreds of thousands of brain tumor patients in America, as well as their caregivers, family, friends, and the researchers dedicated to finding a cure for this often-deadly disease. A letter including all 21 organization’s signatures was sent to Congressional leaders on February 26.
“Sequestration,” “Fiscal Cliff,” “Budget Crisis” – These are terms you have probably heard in the news to describe the impending and severe budget cuts to important federal programs if Congress doesn’t act before March 1. These budgetary changes would have a negative impact on a wide range of federal programs and agencies, forcing many to significantly decrease or cease current operations, programs, and services. And, while the cuts would be widespread, what the news doesn’t fully describe is just how these cuts would impact funding for programs vital to the brain tumor community.
Dr. Francis Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest funder of brain tumor and biomedical research in the United States said that the impending cuts could be “devastating.”
And, these budget cuts won’t just hurt research funding and programs, they will also result in major setbacks to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA); hindering the Agency’s capacity to review and approve new potential therapies including those in brain tumors. If there was ever a time to make the voices of the brain tumor community heard - that time is NOW.
Brain tumor patients and survivors need cures, not cuts.
If you would like to take action, here is how you can help:
- Share your story with Congress
- Encourage others to become a brain tumor advocate
Remember, the brain tumor community needs Congress to prioritize the programs of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to foster continued progress in brain tumor research, and the approval of new therapies. Learn more about sequestration and read our FAQ document.
