Peachtree City Resident Lobbies for Cancer Funding
Roselynn Pearson joined hundreds of advocates in 2026 to push for federal research support and clinical trial access.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Cancer
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Roselynn Pearson, a 75-year-old Peachtree City resident, traveled to Washington, D.C., in 2026 to lobby lawmakers for increased federal cancer research funding. Pearson advocated for the passage of the Clinical Trial Modernization Act to reduce barriers for patients.
Why it matters
The Clinical Trial Modernization Act seeks to eliminate financial and logistical obstacles preventing patients from participating in vital medical research. Pearson's efforts aim to secure federal resources that improve treatment access for future cancer patients.
The American Cancer Society requests $51.3 billion for the National Institutes of Health and $7.99 billion for the National Cancer Institute for the 2027 budget. These figures follow a 34% decline in cancer mortality rates over the past 30 years.
The players
Roselynn Pearson
A 75-year-old resident of Peachtree City who advocates for improved cancer research funding and clinical trial accessibility.
Raphael Warnock
A U.S. Senator representing Georgia who received advocacy input from constituents regarding federal cancer research policies.
Jon Ossoff
A U.S. Senator representing Georgia who serves as a key contact for federal funding and healthcare legislative priorities.
Brian Jack
A U.S. Representative who met with advocates to discuss legislative support for the clinical trial process.
The details
Pearson, who has received diagnoses for both endometrial cancer and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, met with staff for Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff and Representative Brian Jack. She joined over 750 volunteers during the ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day to emphasize the need for legislative support for patients.
Timeline
2011: Pearson received her initial endometrial cancer diagnosis.
2013: Pearson moved to her current home in Peachtree City.
2024: Pearson received a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
2026: Pearson participated in the ACS CAN Lobby Day in Washington, D.C.
Fiscal year 2027: The target period for requested NIH and NCI federal funding.
The Big Picture
The advocacy work aligns with the goals of the Clinical Trial Modernization Act to reduce structural barriers for patients in research. This effort follows a pattern set by ongoing initiatives to reform how federal clinical research is funded and accessed by the public.
Legislative changes could directly influence how easily local patients participate in clinical trials for new cancer treatments. Increased federal funding potentially expands local access to advanced medical research and support services for those diagnosed with leukemia or endometrial cancer.
The takeaway
Advocacy efforts like those in Washington, D.C., demonstrate the role of patient voices in shaping federal health budgets and research laws. Patients looking to influence policy can engage with national organizations to connect with legislative offices.
Further reading
For more information on current advocacy initiatives, visit the Cancer section.
More information
Find additional resources and policy goals on the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Citizen.
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