The Fight Against Cancer Rolls On

Posted July 9, 2008, 10:36 am in Cancer by Growing Bolder


Coming soon to a community near you: the ACS CAN Fight Back Express. The American Cancer Society is taking a 25,000 mile bus journey across 48 states to help make cancer issues a national priority. The Fight Back Express recently rolled into Florida Hospital, one of 15 stops throughout the state of Florida.

The Fight Back Express is a grassroots effort that provides cancer patients, survivors and friends the opportunity to speak out and demand more funding for cancer research. The entire bus is a rolling petition with thousands of signatures covering every inch from bumper to bumper. Some people even leave messages, dedicating their signatures to loved ones lost to cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, cancer strikes 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women, and the "Vehicle for Change" is traveling across the country encouraging Americans to demand their local lawmakers take action. The Fight Back Express is also demanding that Florida raise its cigarette tax, which is currently one of the lowest in the United States. The American Cancer Society hopes that raising this tax from 34 cents to a dollar per pack will discourage the sale of cancer-causing tobacco, and provide additional funds for research.

Altamonte Springs Vice Mayor Pat Bates, discussed the importance of talking to the local government and how the public can make a difference in defeating cancer. In addition to the bus and petitions, volunteers set up laptops to give the public the opportunity to send messages to their state representatives.

With election day approaching, the American Cancer Society hopes the Fight Back Express encourages Americans to use their political power to demand not only additional funding for cancer research, but also adequate health care for those with cancer. With 47 million people in America without health insurance, many who contract cancer are unable to afford treatment.

The Fight Back Express will continue its journey through America, ending its trip in Washington D.C. on election day.

To track the bus across America and to learn more about the American Cancer Society, click here.


To watch the Vehicle of Change in action, click the play button below.




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