Dr. Peter Bridgman, a retired neurologist and cancer survivor, is actively campaigning to restore funding for vital cancer research. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2013, the 72-year-old resident of Yarmouth has taken to going door-to-door, urging his neighbors to support an online petition aimed at reinstating federal funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Bridgman’s diagnosis has given him a personal stake in the future of cancer research. Multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, is treatable through infusion therapies, which have significantly improved his quality of life. Despite his positive outlook, Bridgman is deeply concerned about the implications of substantial funding cuts to critical research agencies.
The NIH and NCI, which are at the forefront of developing advanced cancer treatments, are facing budget reductions that could reach into the billions. Bridgman emphasized the severity of the situation: “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,” he stated. He added, “Active research is going on and that might be curtailed. So by the time I need it, it may not be there for me.”
Community Support for Cancer Research Advocacy
Bridgman believes that restoring funding is essential for saving lives. He warns that if funding levels fluctuate dramatically, researchers may seek opportunities abroad, potentially jeopardizing the progress made in the United States. “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,” Bridgman cautioned. “It would take decades to build it back, so that’s the risk. That’s the serious risk.”
His efforts have resonated with local residents, including neighbor John Auble, who expressed his support for Bridgman’s 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.”
Individuals interested in supporting this endeavor are encouraged to visit fightcancer.org for more information about the petition.
On December 2, 2023, Bridgman, alongside representatives from the American Cancer Society, will deliver the signed petitions to the office of U.S. Senator Susan Collins in Portland. This action aims to raise awareness about the urgent need for funding restoration as Congress prepares to reconvene.
The outcome of this grassroots effort could significantly impact future cancer research and treatment options, showcasing the powerful role that community advocacy can play in public health funding.
