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Special Section |
A. THE MARCH is the beginning of the end. The end of political indifference toward people with cancer, and the beginning of a consolidated movement to cure cancer—all cancers. THE MARCH is a campaign to stop a public enemy that randomly attacks millions of Americans and will kill more than 450,000—the population of Nashville, or New Orleans, or Seattle—this year alone. This campaign culminates the weekend of September 25 and 26, 1998, when the public demands that cancer be made a top research and healthcare priority for the U.S.
Q. Why a MARCH and why now?
A. When Americans have had enough—enough segregation and intolerance, enough oppression and injustice—they come to Washington, D.C. They come to testify, to bear witness, to stand vigil, to tell their lawmakers "NO MORE." THE MARCH is about no more suffering, no more excuses, NO MORE CANCER. The 1.5 million Americans who will be diagnosed this year, the 8 million more cancer survivors and their families, friends and supporters, say the time is now. Recent medical breakthroughs indicate how close we are to finding a cure. But for the 1,500 Americans cancer kills every single day, close is not good enough.
Q. Whose idea was THE MARCH, and who is putting it on?
A. In April 1997, a small group of cancer survivors discussed on "Larry King Live" the need to galvanize public and political support in the war against cancer, and a "march" was suggested. The idea rapidly caught on, and today more than 1,000 national, state and local medical, advocacy, business and civic organizations, and tens of thousands of individuals, support THE MARCH. THE MARCH Fund for Cancer Education coordinates national organizing efforts and events in Washington, D.C., but the majority of organizers are patients and survivors and their wide network of supporters in communities across the U.S.
Q. What is going to happen the weekend of September 25 & 26?
A. People everywhere—hundreds of thousands of people—will answer this call to action. They will gather in Washington, D.C., and in their own communities at candlelight vigils, rallies and other activities. On Friday, September 25, a national candlelight vigil at the Lincoln Memorial will honor the memory of those lost to cancer and will celebrate the lives of survivors. Education and cancer-awareness activities will get under way the next morning, September 26, followed by a noon rally on The Mall near the U.S. Capitol. The weekend in Washington, D.C. concludes with a benefit concert at Constitution Hall celebrating our call to action to conquer cancer.
Q. What happens beyond September 26?
A. THE MARCH is inviting a constituency of empowered individuals and groups from the public and private sectors to form a new alliance. This alliance, strengthened by its ties to communities and existing organizations, will act as a unified educational and advocacy voice in the fight against cancer. The bottom line: Promises made regarding cancer will be kept. A united community will accept no less.
Q. Does supporting THE MARCH mean I endorse the agenda of a specific organization that's also supporting it?
A. No. It means you are aware of the need for increased funds for cancer research and will take positive, personal steps to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and survivors in your community and throughout the country.
Q. How many people do you expect to attend THE MARCH?
A. Thousands, but numbers are not the issue. Cancer survivors, families, friends, caregivers, healthcare workers, researchers, educators, labor, civil rights and women's organizations, youth and senior citizen groups—will gather either in Washington, D.C., or in communities across the country. They are demanding a commitment from civic, business and political leaders to end this nation's war on cancer.
Q. Is THE MARCH an effort to build support for a partisan political agenda?
A. No. THE MARCH is a public demand for Congress—for all elected officials—to be responsible for the health and well-being of the American people they represent. MARCH supporters are NOT standing as Democrats or Republicans or Independents, but as survivors, parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, sisters and brothers, students and educators, nurturers and providers.
Q. How do I get involved in THE MARCH?
A. Contact THE MARCH at:
1730 K Street NW, Fourth Floor
Washington, D.C. 20006
Toll-free phone:1-877-THE MARCH
Fax:202-861-4794
email: info{at}themarch.org
Website: www.themarch.org
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