Ruiling Yuan, Adjunct Assistant Professor at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, shared on LinkedIn:
“Sustained Federal Cancer Research Funding Matters. Rural Cancer Care Matters. Our Patients Matter!
‘Advocacy starts with showing up, having conversations, and making sure our patients’ voices are heard!’
Grateful for the opportunity to meet with U.S. Senator Darline Graham and discuss one of American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) ’s key advocacy priorities: sustained federal funding for cancer research through NIH/NCI.
In South Carolina alone, nearly 37,000 new cancer cases are expected in 2026, while NIH invested $259 million in research across our state in 2025. Research funding is not just about dollars. It is about hope, new treatments, clinical trials, and saving lives!
I was especially encouraged by Senator Graham’s interest in rural cancer care and her interest in visiting Self Regional Healthcare to see firsthand how we serve patients in our rural communities.
It was also wonderful to reconnect with South Carolina State Representative John R. McCravy, III. Every opportunity to engage with our elected officials is another opportunity to bring the voices of our patients to the table!
My dear friend and fellow advocate, Joanna Metzner-Sadurski, would have loved to join us! She was in Washington, DC, attending an ASCO Health Policy Committee meeting, but made sure her voice was heard through a letter to Senator Graham.
Grateful to Jasmine Kamboj, Robin Zon, and Julie Gralow for their leadership, mentorship, and continued inspiration in cancer advocacy!
‘Advocacy is not about politics. It is about our patients. No matter where they live, every patient deserves access to advances in cancer care.’
Thank you, Senator Graham and Representative McCravy, for taking the time to listen and engage with our community!
A special thank you to Glenda Corley for kindly introducing me to Senator Graham and her staff and helping make this meaningful conversation possible!
So grateful for your support and for helping bring the voice of rural cancer care to the table!
One conversation at a time. One voice at a time. Together, we can make a difference!”
You can also read: Ruiling Yuan at COGC 2026: How Rural Oncology Can Turn Limits Into Better Care
