Sponsor Quotes
“The 2025 AACR Cancer Progress Report illustrates how progress against cancer is a highly collaborative process. The exchange of knowledge among basic, translational, and clinical researchers, as well as population scientists, is vital to understanding the complexity of cancer and improving outcomes for patients. From bench to bedside and back to the bench, technological innovations are fueling rapid advances to detect cancer earlier and develop more precise treatments that have the potential to both extend life and preserve its quality. If we continue to work together—not just scientists and clinicians but also patients, advocates, funders, and policymakers—we can ensure that this momentum continues and that every discovery brings us closer to a world where fewer people develop cancer, more people are cured, and all patients live longer, healthier lives.”
Lillian L. Siu, MD, FAACR
President, American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
“NIH-funded science laid the groundwork for cell therapy, transforming once-fatal blood cancers into treatable diseases. It produced the targeted drugs that extend survival for lung cancer patients with specific mutations. These breakthroughs are no accident—they’re the result of decades of steady investment. If NIH funding falters, progress stalls, and the next generation of cures may never leave the lab. That’s why I’m grateful to the lawmakers who continue to fight for NIH, knowing that every dollar invested brings us closer to saving lives.”
Reed Jobs
Founder, Yosemite
“The American Heart Association is committed to ensuring that every patient and every family has the opportunity to benefit from lifesaving medical breakthroughs. NIH-funded research has already transformed cardiovascular care—delivering health, hope and more time with loved ones. But with heart disease and stroke projected to impact millions more people in the U.S. by 2050, the stakes have never been higher. Without sustained federal investment, future treatments and cures may never reach the people who need them most. We urge Congress to protect and strengthen NIH funding—not only to drive innovation and economic growth, but to fulfill the promise of science and ensure that no one is denied the chance to live a longer, healthier life.”
Gordon Tomaselli, MD
Former President, American Heart Association (AHA)
“Treatments, cures, and prevention strategies for diseases like cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s are within our grasp. To reach them, we must continue to robustly invest in our country’s premier medical research agency – the National Institutes of Health – instead of cutting it. Now it’s more important than ever to urge Congress to increase appropriations for NIH. There are too many patients to be patient.”
Richard Turman
President, ACT for NIH
“For decades, federal investment in the National Institutes of Health has been the engine of progress against cancer, giving us monumental breakthroughs and a record 18 million survivors. Robust and sustained funding is not just an investment in science; it’s an investment in every patient. We must continue this bipartisan commitment to ensure that our vision of preventing and curing cancer becomes a reality for all.”
Lynn M. Schuchter, MD, FASCO
Board Chair, Association for Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
“NIH funding is the backbone of progress for patients awaiting a healthier tomorrow. It fuels the research at academic health systems, teaching hospitals, and medical schools and other labs that leads to cures, supports the education and training of the next generation of physicians and scientists, drives innovations in patient care, and strengthens partnerships that improve health in every community. Sustained investment in medical research is an investment in a healthier future for all. Now more than ever, we must work with Congress to build on America’s progress and commitment to improve the health of people everywhere.”
David Skorton, MD
President and CEO, Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
“Fox Chase Cancer Center—one of the nation’s original NCI-designated cancer centers and the birthplace of the Philadelphia Chromosome—has long proven that discovery here leads to delivery everywhere. As Philadelphia’s Cancer Center, we remain committed to transforming NIH and NCI investment into lifesaving science for patients in every community. To accelerate progress, Congress must strengthen this bipartisan commitment. At Fox Chase, discovery and delivery means turning today’s breakthroughs into tomorrow’s cures.”
Jonathan Chernoff, MD, PhD
Cancer Center Director, Fox Chase Cancer Center
“NCI funding for cancer research and innovation is a national treasure – the fruits of this support leads to breakthroughs that make the United States the envy of the world. Although there is much more work to do to help our patients, this longstanding investment has paid off in thousands of lives saved each year. The cancer death rate in this country has already fallen more than 33% in the past 30 years alone, thanks to innovative research and new approaches including immunotherapy, targeted drugs and improved screening and detection. We are privileged to partner with so many elected officials who share our lifesaving mission and join with us in calling for the country to accelerate its visionary progress in cancer research.”
Robert H. Vonderheide, MD, DPhil
Director, Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine
“For the first time, the number of people living with Alzheimer’s in America has surpassed 7 million. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million. There are so many Americans counting on Congress to accelerate, not stop, the scientific progress in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementia. With continued bipartisan support for medical research, scientists at the NIH will be empowered to explore new pathways in Alzheimer’s and dementia research, building on the momentum in the fight against this devastating disease.”
Rachel Conant
Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Alzheimer’s Association
Executive Director of Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM)
“For the past 50 years, every significant medical breakthrough, especially in the treatment of cancer, has been linked to sustained federal investment in research at NIH and NCI. This commitment has contributed to the remarkable statistic of over 18 million cancer survivors currently living in the U.S. today. Furthermore, NCI-supported clinical trials implemented between 1980 and 2020 were estimated to have added 14.2 million additional life-years to patients with cancer. Continued investment in cancer research isn’t just smart policy, it’s a lifeline for millions of cancer patients and everyone at risk of developing the disease and a critical step forward in the fight to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.”
Lisa A. Lacasse
President, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)
“Federal investment in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has played a critical role in saving the lives of thousands of cancer patients. However, seven out of every eight research applications are rejected because of a lack of funding at these agencies. Congress must continue its longstanding bipartisan support for cancer research by providing adequate funding to both NIH and NCI. As the organization that represents radiation oncology professionals, ASTRO strongly urges Congress to increase support for cancer research. We need predictable and robust federal investment in order to conduct groundbreaking oncology research that will lead to improved health care outcomes for patients.”
Howard Sandler, MD, MS, FASTRO
Board Chair, American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)
“Future breakthroughs and advances in patient care will be threatened unless Congress continues its long-standing investment in medical research. NIH research has been critical to developing life-changing treatments and cures for blood disorders, from sickle cell disease to blood cancers. We must build on our progress to improve outcomes for individuals living with blood disorders worldwide.”
Belinda Avalos, MD
President, American Society of Hematology (ASH)
“Look in your medicine cabinet. Do you see a medication for treating a chronic illness or preventing disease? Chances are you can thank the NIH for that. Think about someone who has survived cancer. If not for the NIH, that person might not be with us. Or consider the future of a friend or family member with Alzheimer’s disease, a heart condition, or mental illness. Where will we find the treatments to alleviate their suffering? The answer almost certainly involves the NIH.”
Katrina Armstrong, MD
Chief Executive Officer and Dean
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
“Robust and sustained federal investment in cancer research has led to remarkable progress in our understanding and treatment of the disease. What was once considered a near-certain fatal diagnosis is increasingly becoming a manageable condition for many. Advances in science—fueled by this funding—have resulted in hundreds of new drugs and therapies that are transforming patient care. To maintain this momentum and continue offering hope to patients and their families, ongoing federal support is not just important—it is essential.”
Benjamin L. Ebert, MD, PhD
President and CEO, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
“Over the past few decades, we have seen cancer-related mortality fall 34% thanks to the incredible achievements of scientific research. Suffering and loss from cancer impacts us all. Cancer outcomes improve through incremental and continuous improvements based on evidence generated at both the bench and the bedside, with a tremendous long-term return on investment for both the patient and the taxpayer. We commend lawmakers on both sides of the aisle who have long recognized the need to fund science so all people affected by or at risk for cancer can achieve their best outcomes based on evolving research and evidence.”
Crystal S. Denlinger, MD
Chief Executive Officer
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN®)
“Thanks to medical research, Alzheimer’s is no longer an untouchable mystery. Earlier diagnoses and new treatments are changing lives—and driving us closer every day to a cure. But Alzheimer’s is still the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. Our families, friends, and neighbors deserve more than a dire diagnosis. They deserve the best science has to offer—and it’s up to our nation’s leaders to release federal funds today and guarantee that future breakthroughs are not put at risk tomorrow.”
Russ Paulsen
Chief Operating Officer, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s
“For more than 130 years The Wistar Institute has pursued the type of innovative discovery science that is the driving force behind all new medicines and treatments. This would not have been possible without the transformative partnership with the NIH and other federal funding agencies, a partnership that enabled groundbreaking advances and life-changing therapies to benefit millions of people worldwide. Since our founding, Wistar has always embraced scientific knowledge as the key to unlock some of the world’s most challenging health concerns. For the good of all mankind, we urge Congress to continue its long-standing bipartisan support of biomedical research, transforming the discoveries of today into the treatments of tomorrow.”
Dario C. Altieri, MD
President and CEO, The Wistar Institute
“As we support scientific discoveries that promote better health and wellness throughout our nation, sustained and elevated funding for biomedical and behavioral research is critical, including at the National Institute of Nursing Research. We are grateful to our nurse scientists who are advancing these evidence-based interventions and leading innovative research that addresses chronic disease management and improves patient care.”
Deborah Trautman, PhD, RN, FAAN
President and Chief Executive Officer
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
“Each year, one in five children and adolescents in the U.S. experience a mental health disorder. Youth mental health research is an investment in our nation’s future. Backed by the National Institutes of Health, scientists are uncovering the knowledge and tools that help young people thrive — emotionally, socially, and academically. APA Services stands firmly behind this scientific work, recognizing that early intervention and evidence-based care transforms lives and strengthens our communities. Sustained NIH funding ensures every child’s mental well-being is a core priority for the Nation.”
Adrienne Stith, PhD
Head of Science, American Psychological Association (APA)
“Federal funding to the National Institutes of Health makes life-saving research possible. The NIH is the pinnacle of our country’s biomedical research enterprise, providing hope to millions of patients. In addition to serving as a cutting-edge research institute, the NIH is also a training ground for the next generation of biomedical researchers and an economic engine that drives our economy. If Congress will support strong investment in the NIH, we can develop more cures for diseases like cancer, stroke, Alzheimer’s Disease and diabetes, helping millions of Americans to live longer and healthier lives.”
Randy Hall, PhD
President
American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
“The NIH has partnered with America’s research universities for decades to fund research that has saved the lives of millions. NIH-funded university research has fueled the discovery of hundreds of drugs and cancer medicines and the development of many cutting-edge diagnostic tools that have helped doctors detect and treat diseases earlier and faster. Yet, the NIH now faces steep funding cuts from the administration that put medical advances for the American people in peril. We are grateful for the Senate Appropriations Committee’s proposed NIH funding level. Now we ask all of Congress to join them in providing sustained funding for the NIH – and in ensuring that the NIH spends that funding – so that critical discovery pipelines do not stall out and patient clinical trials are not canceled.”
Barbara R. Snyder
President, Association of American Universities (AAU)
“FASEB is thrilled to see strong, bipartisan leadership from Senators Susan Collins and Shelley Moore Capito and the Appropriations Committee in championing the NIH. By rejecting harmful proposals and boosting investment in biomedical research, they are paving the way for discoveries that will keep the United States at the forefront of science. Our 110,000 researchers call on all members of Congress to keep the momentum going by keeping our engine of medical discovery vibrant allowing the transformation of taxpayer investment into lifesaving treatments, scientific breakthroughs, and a healthier future for all.”
Eric Kelley
President
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB)
“Sustained support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for research is imperative to addressing the key questions affecting patients in the perioperative period and ultimately to improving clinical outcomes. Fundamental research addressing the generation and dissipation of unconscious states, novel non-opioid analgesics, new strategies to alter metabolism, modulate the immune system, and deploy advanced data analytics offer a few examples where investments in research have immense potential to dramatically benefit both patients and society as a whole. Realizing these scientific breakthroughs will require consistent and robust funding support from the NIH.”
Max B. Kelz, MD, PhD
President and Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)
Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER)
“Vision is central to how we experience the world, yet it is often taken for granted until it’s lost. The National Eye Institute (NEI) has driven every major advance in preventing blindness and restoring sight for more than 50 years, from gene therapies to artificial retinas. Sustained and increased NIH funding is essential to protect this progress and ensure that future breakthroughs reach the millions of Americans at risk of vision loss. Through our #SeeWhatMatters campaign, we are uniting patients, researchers, clinicians, and industry partners to remind Congress that investing in vision research is investing in independence, productivity, and quality of life for people across the nation.”
Dan Ignaszewski
Executive Director
National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR)
“Recognizing the connection between health and demography, the National Institutes of Health has developed and sustained the field of population research. With NIH support, population scientists have contributed significant scientific advances in areas such as aging, adolescent health and development, and maternal health, and launched innovative surveys to understand how life course events impact the long-term health and well-being of individuals. The Population Association of America and Association of Population Centers are proud to cosponsor the 2025 Rally for Medical Research and work with our colleagues to impress upon Congress the challenges and opportunities currently facing the NIH.”
Irma Elo
President, Population Association of America
“Research fuels the discoveries and innovations that lead to better treatments for all people with cancer- and to improved approaches for preventing and detecting cancer early. At the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, our mission to fight cancer is both important and urgent. We are passionate about caring for our patients and our community, and we are proud to bring New Mexicans innovative technologies that improve cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of cancer research – research that benefits everyone. Cancer research saves lives.”
Yolanda Sanchez, PhD
Director and Chief Executive Officer
The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center
“Academic medicine is a central force in the quest to improve the well-being of society. Our breakthroughs in medical research are transforming lives and communities across the country—helping patients overcome diseases like cancer, empowering physicians to detect diseases earlier, and dramatically improving the quality of life for millions of hardworking Americans. America’s biomedical leadership globally, built on decades of scientific progress, is only possible because of the steadfast and predictable federal investment in research agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Slowing these investments now will stall the extraordinary momentum we’ve built in critical areas such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and women’s health. Weill Cornell Medicine proudly supports the Rally for Medical Research and applauds members of Congress who champion robust investments—not just for today’s patients and their families but for every person who may face illness or disability in the future.”
Robert A. Harrington, MD
Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean, Weill Cornell Medicine
Provost, Medical Affairs at Cornell University