Cancer survivors rally for medical research funding amid proposed cuts

In Philadelphia, cancer survivors, doctors, and advocates gathered at Independence Hall on August 25, 2025, to urge Congress to preserve funding for cancer research threatened by President Donald Trump's proposed budget cuts. Among those present was Michael Hu, a 47-year-old lung cancer patient who has seen his illness advance to his brain. He articulated a common sentiment among attendees, expressing fears that cuts to research funding would impede crucial medical advances necessary for survival. Lynne Alston, a breast cancer survivor, echoed these sentiments by emphasizing that clinical trials are essential for giving hope and a future to patients. The rally was also a response to the broader implications of potential funding cuts on medical research and the longstanding commitment of Congress to saving lives through research investments. Rev. Leroy Miles, representing Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, articulated the moral responsibility of Congress to continue supporting funding, comparing investments in research as a sacred duty. Dr. Kurt Weiss, a cancer surgeon who lost a leg to bone cancer in his youth, highlighted the critical breakthroughs made possible by research advances, arguing that now is not the time to step back. This rally came ahead of a crucial funding deadline for Congress, creating urgency within the medical community to advocate for continued financing of medical research. As Congress deliberates on budget decisions, advocates are working tirelessly to ensure that the funding is preserved, given its significant impacts on the lives of countless cancer patients and families. In the face of potential cuts, the message from the crowd was clear: patient lives depend on research that is currently at risk. In an unrelated development, a new research institute aimed at addressing health disparities in Latino communities was launched in response to the financial cuts affecting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The National Hispanic Health Research Institute was established to create a database that tracks health data for underserved populations, filling the gaps left by federally funded research efforts. The organization is committed to ensuring that communities historically excluded from health research, including Latino and Afro-Latino families, are included in studies that could help mitigate severe health disparities in areas like chronic disease and maternal mortality. By addressing these issues, the institute hopes to contribute to a safer, more equitable future and ensure that every individual is seen and counted in health research.