29-04-2025
Cancer survivors head to Albany to push for better care
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A group of cancer survivors and supporters from Western New York are traveling to Albany Tuesday to meet with state leaders and ask for better cancer care across New York.
The trip is part of Cancer Action Day, when people from all over the state come together to share their stories and push for new laws that could help patients and families.
'We've seen that when people from Western New York speak up and tell their stories, things really start to change,' said Dylyn Harrison, a volunteer with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. 'It's easy to feel like nothing you say matters, but it does — and that's why we're here.'
The group is asking lawmakers to support three main ideas:
Make lung cancer screening easier to get and more affordable
Update the state's paid family and medical leave rules (which haven't been changed in more than 30 years)
Expand help for patients navigating the health care system
Harrison says one big issue is how health insurance works for lung cancer tests.
'Lung cancer is one of the top killers, but only about 19% of people at high risk are getting screened,' she said. 'Sometimes insurance will cover the first test, but not any follow-ups, and that keeps people from getting the care they need. We want to fix that.'
Rhonda Hands, a 30-year cancer survivor, says lawmakers need to hear directly from people who've lived through it.
'I thank God I've been cancer-free for 30 years,' she said. 'But testing should be easy and affordable for everyone. There shouldn't be anything standing in the way.'
For these advocates, the trip to Albany isn't just about policy, it's personal. They're standing up for families and patients who need a stronger system.
Gwyn Napier is a reporter who joined the News 4 team in 2025. See more of her work by clicking here.
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