Dr. Peter Bridgman, a retired neurologist and cancer patient, is actively campaigning to restore funding for federal cancer research agencies. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2013, the 72-year-old Yarmouth resident has taken to his community, seeking support for a petition aimed at reversing significant budget cuts affecting the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Bridgman, who credits his ongoing treatment with infusion therapies for his current well-being, is deeply concerned about the implications of funding reductions. He highlighted the severity of the cuts, noting that the NCI faced a staggering 37 percent reduction, far exceeding the anticipated 5 to 10 percent decrease. “Active research is going on and that might be curtailed. So by the time I need it, it may not be there for me,” he stated.
Community Support for Research Funding
In an effort to mobilize public support, Bridgman is going door-to-door in his neighborhood, asking residents to sign an online petition advocating for the restoration of NIH and NCI funding to previous levels. He emphasizes that consistent funding is crucial for sustaining research initiatives in the United States. “In order to save lives, we have to restore funding to close to what it was before. 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 explained. “It would take decades to build it back, so that’s the risk. That’s the serious risk.”
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 remarked. “We need more Peters.”
Petition Delivery to Lawmakers
Individuals interested in supporting the cause can find more information about the petition at fightcancer.org. On December 2, 2023, Bridgman, along with representatives from the American Cancer Society, plans to personally deliver the petition signatures to U.S. Senator Susan Collins‘ office in Portland. Following this, they will await Congress’s reconvening, hopeful that funding for cancer research will be reinstated.
Bridgman’s grassroots effort highlights the critical need for sustained funding in cancer research, aiming to ensure that future advancements in treatment remain viable and accessible for all patients. As the battle against cancer continues, the support of individuals and communities may prove vital in influencing policy decisions that affect the landscape of medical research.
