Stand up for those who are gone

Two days after my letter was published on Dec. 25, criticizing Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for his moral failings as HHS Secretary, my friend lost her battle with breast cancer after more than two years of fighting this insidious disease.

According to the American Cancer Society, over 2 million new cancer cases and about 618,000 deaths were estimated for 2025. An average of 1,700 deaths daily. Despite this, under Kennedy’s appalling leadership, federal support for cancer research seems to be weakening at a critical time when breakthroughs and improved treatments are urgently needed.

Since RFK, Jr. was confirmed as HHS Secretary, with the support of Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, MD, HHS has implemented significant cuts and disruptions in biomedical research funding. Independent studies and government reports indicate that National Institutes of Health funding decreased sharply in 2025, with a 31% drop in cancer research funding in the first quarter compared to the same period in 2024. Thousands of research grants have been canceled or reduced across universities and labs. These reductions have directly affected research on breast cancer and other major diseases, slowing scientific progress and delaying potential lifesaving advances. Hospitals and laboratories have slowed or halted research programs, with scientists leaving due to funding uncertainties and grant cancellations.

Advocacy groups and cancer research coalitions warn that these actions jeopardize the future of cancer discovery and patient care in the U.S. The American Cancer Society has called on Congress and the administration to protect and increase NIH funding.

“Make America Healthy Again” is a MAGA bumper sticker and a poster on windows in our own community. To keep America healthy, support established scientific practices. Trust your physician. Trust your instinct to discern the lies piling up from the Trump Administration and his cabinet from the truth.

Wake up.

Erica Nelson

Wheaton