Dr. Peter Bridgman, a retired neurologist and cancer patient, is actively campaigning to restore funding for federal cancer research agencies. The 72-year-old, who has been living with multiple myeloma since his diagnosis in 2013, is concerned about significant cuts to vital research programs. Bridgman believes that the future of cancer treatment hangs in the balance as funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) faces potential reductions.
Multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, can be managed with infusion therapies, and Bridgman credits these treatments for his current well-being. Nevertheless, he warns that the ongoing developments in advanced cancer treatment could be jeopardized. “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. His concern is not just for himself but for future patients who may rely on emerging therapies.
Grassroots Effort for Change
To galvanize support, Bridgman has taken to his neighborhood in Yarmouth, going door-to-door to gather signatures for an online petition aimed at restoring funding to previous levels. He emphasizes that sustaining research is crucial for saving lives. “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,” he remarked. This could lead to decades of setbacks in cancer research and treatment advancements.
One of Bridgman’s neighbors, John Auble, expressed his support for the initiative. “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,” Auble said. “We need more Peters.” Such endorsements highlight the local community’s recognition of the critical need for sustained funding in cancer research.
Individuals interested in supporting Bridgman’s cause can find more information at fightcancer.org. On December 2, Bridgman, along with representatives from the American Cancer Society, plans to deliver the gathered petition signatures to the office of U.S. Senator Susan Collins in Portland. They will await Congress’s reconvening, hopeful for a restoration of vital research funding essential for the ongoing fight against cancer.
Bridgman’s efforts exemplify the determination of individuals to advocate for critical health funding that impacts countless lives. As he continues his mission, the broader community watches closely, considering the implications of funding decisions on future cancer research and treatment options.
