Cancer Action Day at the Indiana Statehouse: Advocates call for legislation to reduce the burden of cancer

Monday, January 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Roughly 50 cancer patients and advocates from across the Hoosier State will gather at the Statehouse for Cancer Action Day this Wednesday.

The American Cancer Society and Blood Cancer United volunteers will urge lawmakers to prioritize passing legislation to prevent patients from incurring medical debt and ease the burden of medical debt on Hoosiers.

Heather Almager, a breast cancer survivor who had health insurance while undergoing fertility and breast cancer treatments, but still found herself in $75,000+ of medical debt, will speak along with Allie Kast Gregg, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network government relations director.

The spokespeople will highlight the urgent need to pass legislation to address medical debt, which would bring long-overdue relief to patients whose suffering is twofold—first from illness, then from the lasting financial harm that follows. By increasing access to financial assistance and limiting the use of harmful collection practices, we can begin to reduce the often unending negative consequences associated with disease, enabling patients to breathe easier and prioritize their health without fear of long-term financial harm, said Michelle Zimmerman, Associate Director of the American Cancer Society.