Cancer society bus coming to Naperville, Schaumburg

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is on tour, encouraging people to get involved in the political end of the fight against a disease that ranks among the top killers in the country.

The Fight Back Express Bus tour, which is scheduled to make 18 stops in Illinois, will stop at Edward Hospital, 801 S. Washington in Naperville, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. July 23. The bus will stop at Alexian Field, home of the Schaumburg Flyers, from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. July 24. The field is located at 1999 Springinsguth Road in Schaumburg.

Visitors will be able to sign a petition urging politicians to support cancer research and to direct more funding toward cancer screenings and uninsured Americans, said Karen Ross of the Illinois division of the American Cancer Society.

In Naperville, oncologist Dr. Alexander Hantel and nurse Kim Rohan from the Edward Cancer Center will speak at the event, as will a cancer survivor.

The purpose of the tour is to encourage people to become active in getting the government to do more in the campaign against the disease.

"We want our elected officials to do more to fight cancer," Ross said.

Ross would like for government leaders to make research and funding, as well as expanded insurance coverage and support for cancer treatments, a priority.

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 47 million adults in the country are uninsured and that many more are underinsured, which limits access to treatment for cancer and screenings.

"We want people to be able to get medical care when they need it. That's the bottom line," Ross said.

The Fight Back Express Bus brings with it more than just speeches and petitions. It also brings hope that individuals can inspire change, she said.

"I think that (people) can let their elected officials know that these are important issues. This is a way to do that. If they come out and express their support, then that's a great thing," she said. "It's a rallying point."

Cancer society officials knew they wanted to visit Naperville when they started planning the Illinois portion of the bus tour, said Chris Hensley, regional vice president of the Illinois bureau of the American Cancer Society. Edward Hospital was an easy choice.

Edward has a strong partnership with the community and has a cancer center that provides significant services to the area, Hensley said.

Ross believes individuals can continue the fight even after the tour leaves for its next destination.

"Stay in touch with local officials and reinforce the message that we want them to do more," she said.

The Illinois trips started Sunday in Chicago and end on July 25 in the Quad Cities. The bus tour began in May in Ohio, and will continue through Election Day on Nov. 4, traveling through the continental states.

For information about the American Cancer Society, or how you can get involved, visit cancer.org.

If you go

What: American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network's Fight Back Express Bus

Naperville: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. July 23 at Edward Hospital, 801 S. Washington St., Naperville

Schaumburg: 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. July 24 at Alexian Field (Flyers stadium), 1999 Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg

Cost: Free