By Patrick Swayze
Washington Post.com

…Ever since I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2008, I’ve been waging an intense, often hellacious battle…But I’m not alone.

More than 1.4 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year…one out of three women and one out of two men…Last week, it struck…Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who…(is) already a colon cancer survivor…

With Congress about to decide how much money to include for medical research as part of the economic stimulus package…(M)y message to our senators and representatives is simple: Vote for the maximum funding to let the National Institutes of Health fight cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. It’s not only good for our nation’s health; it’s also good for our economic well-being.

Congress is facing…a bill…which includes $3.5 billion for the NIH, and a Senate bill that provides $10 billion for lifesaving scientific work…(T)he money will also create high-paying jobs and spark economic activity in every part of the United States: The NIH funds projects at hospitals, universities and medical research facilities in towns and cities in each of the 50 states…

The Senate measure would provide funds for thousands of research projects that have already passed through scientific review and can start at a moment’s notice…Some may question why medical-research spending should be part of an economic stimulus package…(M)edical research supports jobs and infrastructure…(I)t also enables Americans to reach their individual potential and contribute more to society.

…(M)y family had a simple response for challenges like this: “Stop talking about it, and do something about it.” That’s how I feel about finding more money for cancer research. My hope is that some day, the words “a cure” won’t be followed by the words “is impossible…” My plea to Congress…Stand up to create jobs, fight illness and deliver hope.

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