Cancer Survivor Advocates for Research Funding with Door-to-Door Campaign
Dr. Peter Bridgman, a retired neurologist and cancer survivor, is actively campaigning to restore federal funding for cancer research. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2013, Bridgman, now 72, is determined to ensure that critical research continues despite significant budget cuts affecting agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Bridgman, a resident of Yarmouth, has experienced firsthand the impact of innovative treatments available for his condition, which is a type of bone marrow cancer. While he expresses gratitude for the infusion therapies that have helped him maintain his health, he voices deep concern over the future of cancer research funding. The NIH and NCI are facing potential cuts amounting to billions of dollars, which could jeopardize ongoing projects.
“NIH and the NCI expected small cuts like five or ten percent, but they were completely floored by the 37 percent cut to the NCI,” Bridgman stated. “Active research is going on, and that might be curtailed. So by the time I need it, it may not be there for me.”
In response to the funding crisis, Bridgman has taken to the streets, going door-to-door in his community to gather support for an online petition aimed at restoring NIH and NCI funding to previous levels. He emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating, “In order to save lives, we have to restore funding to close to what it was before. If we let the funding bounce up and down, researchers will go to other countries. They’ll go to the European Union. They’ll go to China, and we’ll lose all of that.”
Bridgman’s neighbor, John Auble, reflects the community’s support, expressing appreciation for Bridgman’s dedication. “Overall, I think cancer is underfunded. So every time we have somebody who is willing to put in the time that he does, it’s really touching. We need more Peters,” Auble remarked.
People interested in supporting the cause or learning more about the petition can visit fightcancer.org.
On December 2, 2023, Bridgman, along with representatives from the American Cancer Society, plans to deliver the signatures collected to the office of U.S. Senator Susan Collins in Portland. They will await Congress’s reconvening with hopes that funding for cancer research will be prioritized and restored.
Bridgman’s initiative underscores the critical need for sustained investment in cancer research, highlighting the potential consequences of funding cuts on future advancements and patient care. As he continues his campaign, Bridgman remains hopeful that his efforts will contribute to a larger movement advocating for the necessary resources to fight cancer effectively.
