Capitol Hill file photo

Blood Cancer United — formerly the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society — celebrated a slate of policy victories for blood cancer patients and their families following the signing of a sweeping new federal legislative package shaped by years of sustained advocacy.

The package, signed into law by President Donald Trump last week, preserves and strengthens federal research investments after last year’s proposal of a nearly 45% cut to National Institutes of Health funding, paired with unilateral changes to federal research rules.

Advocates pushed back, urging change, with Congress ultimately protecting and expanding those investments.

Among the most significant wins is passage of the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act, according to Blood Cancer United. On its way to implementation, the act saw more than five years of advocacy and over 700 congressional visits. The bill requires state Medicaid programs to establish a process through which qualifying out-of-state providers may temporarily treat children without undergoing additional screening requirements.

Other pediatric cancer bills, continued funding for childhood cancer research and data initiatives, increased cancer funding at the Department of Defense, full funding for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health and reforms aimed at addressing the cost of cancer care made up the remainder of the policy changes announced by the organization Monday.

Blood Cancer United credited the leadership of its Dare to Dream Project and the efforts of volunteers and nationwide advocates for driving what it called “historic progress.” The organization added that the victories underscore the real impact of ongoing advocacy efforts, expanding access to care and setting the stage for long-term improvements for children with cancer and their families.