This is a guest opinion column

When I was diagnosed with cancer, my daughter was just seven years old. I vividly remember her asking her mom, “Is Daddy going to die?” Thankfully, I was able to go on to see her grow up, graduate from Cullman High School and Auburn University and start her architecture career in Nashville. I know none of this would be possible without groundbreaking cancer research that saved my life.

I am not alone; more than 2 million Americans, including more than 30,000 Alabamians, are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2025. That’s why now is the time to defend and strengthen our country’s commitment to research.

Last week, I traveled to Washington, D.C. with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network to attend the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on biomedical research and meet with my representatives in Congress to share how I’m alive today because of federal research funding from 30 years ago. In fact, for the past 50 years, every significant medical breakthrough, especially in the treatment of cancer, has come because of sustained federal investment in research. This commitment has contributed to over 18 million cancer survivors currently living in the U.S. today.

In addition to attending the hearing, I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with Sen. Katie Britt and Rep. Robert Aderholt to stress why any cuts to research funding would deal a devastating blow to cancer patients and their families, especially when more than 10,000 Alabamians are expected to lose their lives to cancer this year alone. During a constituent reception, I had the opportunity to speak directly with Sen. Britt and advocate for the protection of federal cancer research. I shared my personal connection to cancer, drawing a parallel to her own life by asking her to imagine receiving a call about a loved one’s diagnosis. I shared that I was about her age when I was first diagnosed. Sen. Britt assured me of her commitment to continue fighting for this vital research, acknowledging its lifesaving and life-changing impact.

I was deeply touched that the Senator went on to share my story during the Appropriations Committee hearing. It was incredibly meaningful to hear her acknowledge my experience and the importance of continued federal funding for biomedical research. The bipartisan support expressed by senators on the committee was particularly encouraging and I am hopeful that this strong backing will translate into crucial funding for vital research.

Congress holds the power of the purse, giving them the authority to control government spending. While the president has proposed cutting nearly 40% of the budget of agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it’s vital for Congress to safeguard our national investments. Research funding is essential for scientific advancement, medical breakthroughs and for maintaining America’s competitive edge. More than 4,400 jobs in Alabama are supported by funding from NIH, which also results in roughly $916 million in economic activity in the state. I shared these facts with Sen. Britt’s staff.

Additionally, during my trip to D.C., I was able to meet personally with Rep. Aderholt, who represents my hometown of Cullman in Congress. He also understood the critical importance of federal investments in research. He echoed the sentiment expressed by Sen. Britt and her team and pledged to do what he could for the cause.

The entire trip was incredibly impactful. Meeting with lawmakers and sharing the stories of those affected by cancer, myself included, reinforced the urgency of continued investment in this critical area. We have made tremendous strides in understanding and treating cancer, leading to improved outcomes and longer lives for countless individuals. It is imperative that we don’t lose this momentum. I strongly encourage all Alabamians to reach out to their representatives and senators and urge them to prioritize funding for cancer research. Our collective voice can make a huge difference.

Gary Cornelius is a 22-year cancer survivor of Hodgkin’s lymphoma and volunteers for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. He is Vice President of Business Development for TCW, Inc. and lives in Cullman.