Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), and Mike Kelly (R-PA), cochairs of the bipartisan House Cancer Caucus, today introduced a resolution recognizing Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day on June 28. Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day is a celebration of inspiration, companionship, and connection for the communities around the country who come together to support cancer patients, survivors, caretakers, and loved ones.
“Nearly every family in America has been touched by cancer in one way or another – whether you are a survivor, have lost someone, are a caretaker, or a member of a community that has come together to support a patient,” said Rep. Dingell. “Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day recognizes and celebrates the powerful role that community has in supporting all those impacted by cancer.”
“When more than 18 million Americans are living with a history of cancer, and millions more step forward as caregivers, it’s clear community is not just part of the fight—it is the fight. Like so many families, including my own, I’ve seen how this disease tests every ounce of strength and resolve,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. "As Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus, I am continually inspired by the survivors, caregivers, and advocates I have the honor of working with to expand access, fight for hope, and break down barriers to care. This resolution marks an enduring commitment to the idea that compassion and connection will always be stronger than cancer, and that no one should ever face this journey alone."
“As a cancer survivor, I know firsthand that the people who surround you are critical to your fight against cancer. The inspiration, companionship, connection, and hope that friends, families, and neighbors provide can fuel patients through their battle,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “I’m proud to co-lead this resolution to recognize Community Stronger than Cancer Day. I’ll keep doing all I can to ensure cancer research and treatment remains well-funded. So many lives depend on it.”
“As a Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus and also of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus, I’ve had the honor to meet some of the strongest, most courageous Americans who have battled cancer. Today, may we come together to support cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and their loved ones,” said Rep. Kelly. “In Congress, we will continue our efforts to fund cancer research and promote legislation that brings new cancer treatments to market. There remains much work to do, but I look forward to working with my colleagues to get it done.”
Community is Stronger than Cancer Day is celebrated on June 28th each year to coincide with the birthday of Gilda Radner, the Saturday Night Live star who died of ovarian cancer and whose experience at The Wellness Center in Santa Monica inspired the creation of Gilda’s Club (now Cancer Support Community).
View the text of the resolution here and below.
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for the designation of June 28, 2025, as ‘‘Community is Stronger than Cancer Day’’.
Whereas there are more than 18,000,000 people with a history of cancer living in the United States;
Whereas more than 2,041,910 individuals in the United States may be diagnosed with cancer in 2025;
Whereas a 2016 report estimated that at least 2,800,000 people provided care to a person with cancer in the United States in a given year, and those individuals spent an average of 32.9 hours a week providing that care;
Whereas ‘‘Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day’’ celebrates the community that comes together to support cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and their loved ones;
Whereas ‘‘Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day’’ was first celebrated in 2021 by providing community-based support to patients, survivors, and caregivers who have experienced a cancer diagnosis;
Whereas ‘‘Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day’’ will be celebrated by 196 locations in 2025;
Whereas ‘‘Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day’’ is a celebration of inspiration, companionship, connection, and hope; and
Whereas our community is truly stronger than cancer: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) supports the designation of ‘‘Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day’’;
(2) encourages all people of the United States to support those impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care to all affected; and
(3) aims to celebrate inspiration, companionship, connection, and hope for all communities impacted by cancer.
