Dr. Peter Bridgman, a retired neurologist living with cancer, is actively campaigning to restore funding for vital cancer research. Bridgman, aged 72, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2013, a treatable form of bone marrow cancer. Despite his ongoing treatment, he remains deeply concerned about the future of cancer research and the potential impact of significant funding cuts on advancements in treatment.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are at the forefront of developing advanced cancer treatment options. However, they are facing substantial funding reductions, with the NCI experiencing an alarming 37 percent cut in its budget. “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,” said Bridgman. “Active research is ongoing, and that might be curtailed. So by the time I need it, it may not be there for me.”
Determined to advocate for change, Bridgman has taken to his neighborhood in Yarmouth, going door-to-door to gather signatures for an online petition aimed at restoring funding to the NIH and NCI. “In order to save lives, we have to restore funding to close to what it was before,” he emphasized. He expressed concern that if funding remains inconsistent, researchers may relocate to other countries, particularly within the European Union or China, causing irreversible damage to the U.S. research landscape.
Support for Bridgman’s efforts is evident in his community. Neighbor John Auble expressed his support, stating, “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. We need more Peters.” Such sentiments highlight the growing recognition of the need for sustainable funding in cancer research.
For those interested in supporting the cause, more information about the petition can be found at fightcancer.org. On December 2, 2023, Bridgman, along with representatives from the American Cancer Society, plans to deliver the collected signatures to the office of U.S. Senator Susan Collins in Portland. They will await Congress’s reconvening, hopeful that their efforts will lead to the restoration of essential research funding.
Bridgman’s commitment to cancer advocacy serves as a poignant reminder of the human stakes involved in scientific research funding. As funding levels fluctuate, the potential consequences for patients and researchers alike are significant, emphasizing the urgent need for a stable financial foundation in the battle against cancer.
