Indianapolis Survivor Advocated for Cancer Research Funding
Local breast cancer survivor Ashley Gibson joined hundreds of volunteers in Washington, D.C. to lobby Congress.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Cancer
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Indianapolis resident and eight-year breast cancer survivor Ashley Gibson participated in the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Gibson joined over 750 advocates from across the country to urge Congress to sustain research funding and support the Clinical Trial Modernization Act.
Why it matters
Advocates are seeking to remove financial barriers to clinical trials, such as travel and lodging costs, to improve accessibility for patients. They also aim to secure sustained federal investment for the NIH, NCI, and CDC to continue the progress made in reducing mortality.
Federal funding increases over the past 30 years have contributed to a 34% reduction in cancer mortality rates. The current advocacy effort involves over 750 participants from 50 states who are pushing for continued federal support.
The players
Ashley Gibson
She is an eight-year breast cancer survivor from Indianapolis who advocates for cancer research funding.
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
This organization facilitates the annual Leadership Summit and Lobby Day to bring patient advocates to Washington, D.C.
The details
Ashley Gibson, who was diagnosed with Stage 3 HER2-positive breast cancer at age 31, met with Indiana's congressional delegation to share her story and push for legislative reform. The proposed Clinical Trial Modernization Act aims to lower financial obstacles that often prevent patients from enrolling in potentially life-saving research programs.
Timeline
Eight years ago Ashley Gibson received her cancer diagnosis.
The past 30 years have seen consistent federal funding increases for cancer research.
September 2026 marked the dates Gibson attended the ACS CAN Leadership Summit.
The Big Picture
The push for the Clinical Trial Modernization Act represents a targeted effort to dismantle the economic hurdles currently embedded in modern patient research. This story highlights the active advocacy campaign currently underway to secure the passage of this specific piece of legislation.
The proposed legislation could lower costs for patients by reducing financial barriers such as travel and lodging expenses during clinical trials. This change would make it easier for individuals to participate in research programs, potentially increasing access to advanced medical treatments.
The takeaway
Advocacy remains a vital tool for patients seeking to ensure federal support for the research that informs modern cancer care. Patients and caregivers can impact long-term outcomes by engaging directly with their local representatives to share personal experiences.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments regarding Cancer research and patient advocacy.
More information
For more information on national lobbying efforts, visit the ACS CAN advocacy and volunteer portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 93.1FM WIBC.
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Should the federal government increase its budget for national cancer research programs?
