Elmhurst Man Lobbies Illinois Politicians for Cancer Legislation

Photos courtesy of Terry Hennen

Terry Hennen of Elmhurst has been involved in the fight against cancer for seven years, but his recent trip to Washington D.C. marked his first time working with the “advocacy arm” of the American Cancer Society.

After six years serving as co-chair for Relay for Life events and concentrating on fundraising, Hennen was asked to get involved in convincing politicians to support cancer-fighting legislation.

“It was my first step into this, and I’m hooked,” Hennen said.

Hennen was one of more than 600 cancer advocates, from every U.S. state and Puerto Rico, who took their cancer stories directly to senators and congressmen for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Leadership Summit and Lobby Day.

“They kept telling us, ‘Tell your story, give background as to why this is important, why this is going to be good for the population of Illinois and the population of this country,’” he said. “They need to hear this and be emotionally charged with what’s going on.”

Hennen, with others, was involved in five presentations in Washington D.C.

• In Sen. Richard Durbin’s office, they met with legislative assistant Beth Wikler.
• In Sen. Mark Kirk’s office, they met with Senior Policy Advisor Andrea Uckele.
• In Rep. Mike Quigley’s office, they met with Legislative Assistant Shira Siegel.
• In Rep. Peter Roskam’s office, they met with Healthcare Legislative Assistant Leigh Owano.
• In Rep. Danny Davis’ office, they met with Deputy Chief of Staff Caleb Gilchrist.

Hennen was the leader in the meeting in Quigley’s office, but because congressmen and senators were not always available, the Cancer Action Network volunteers sometimes met with legislative staff members.

“The staff members are really sharp, and Quigley’s legislative assistant [Shira Siegel] was really well versed on this, adding to the whole story.”

(L to R) Terry Hennen, Shira Siegel, Susan Barrera and Dr. Carolyn Brzdzinski

“A legislative assistant can’t commit for a congressman, but they sure seemed to be leaning our way,” he added.

That “way” for the volunteers has to do with their specific mission on this trip to D.C. The American Cancer Society is organizing support for three main goals, according to an ACS news release.

• “Increase funding for cancer research at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and for prevention programs at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC).”
• “Co-sponsor legislation to improve the quality of life of cancer patients with better access to palliative care.”
• “Co-sponsor the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screenings Act.”

Hennen said researchers are on the cusp of big breakthroughs in cancer research, but the science will grind to a halt without proper funding. He also explained that palliative care aims to treat cancer patients as people who may need pain management and stress management.

He said the third goal involves removing barriers in the payment system for colorectal screenings. Currently, patients who get tested for free can be charged a copay if doctors diagnose something through the test.
The volunteers delivered more than 2,700 petitions to Sen. Kirk’s office, asking for his support on two palliative care bills. They also delivered a similar petition signed by 50 Illinois hospitals.

“We were all over congress that day,” Hennen said. “You couldn’t miss us.”

Hennen said he’s become involved in the fight because he has a long history of cancer in his family. He’s lost three out of four grandparents to cancer. Both of his parents had cancer, and some of his aunts, uncles and a cousin have died from cancer.

Three years ago, Hennen’s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“For her, this was a big deal, but it wasn’t a death sentence,” he said. “When my parents or grandparents heard this, you knew you had a short time to go. But because of advancements, and so many more we’re really close to, we could be turning this disease into something really different, if we can keep the research going.”

For those who’d like to get involved, Hennen suggested joining the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. Members pay a donation and “join the grassroots movement,” according to the website.

Writing to a congressman or senator is another basic way to get involved and let legislators know what the constituents want.

“I’m pretty psyched to continue doing this,” Hennen said. “I really feel we can be effective and make a difference.”