My mom has cancer, and the battle she faces is one that many families across the United States know all too well. The hope for her continued treatment and eventual recovery rests on the groundbreaking medical research being conducted daily, much of which is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Unfortunately, looming on the horizon is the possibility of significant budget cuts to the NIH by President Trump for the fiscal year 2026.

The NIH is an essential pillar in our nation’s healthcare system, responsible for funding research that leads to life-saving treatments and medical breakthroughs. In 2021 alone, the NIH invested roughly $42 billion in medical research, significantly impacting many areas, including cancer treatment. These funds fuel 27 institutes and centers, each focusing on various health challenges, such as heart disease, neurological disorders, and cancer.

Cutting NIH’s budget would slow down progress in critical medical research, potentially halting advancements in treatments that not only benefit cancer patients like my mom but millions of Americans battling various health conditions. Reduced funding can lead to fewer research grants, stalling the progress of clinical trials, and ultimately delaying the development of new therapies and drugs.

The benefits of NIH-funded research are vast and directly impact the nation’s economy. According to United for Medical Research, NIH's activities in 2021 supported more than 500,000 jobs and produced $81 billion in economic activity across the U.S. Cutting funds would not only be detrimental to medical research but would also have far-reaching consequences on the nation’s workforce and economy.

I urge you to consider the dire consequences these funding cuts might hold for medical research and patients nationwide. It is crucial that we take a stand to ensure that President Trump does not cut NIH funding, safeguarding the health and well-being of countless individuals who rely on these critical advances in medicine.

Please sign this petition to demand that NIH funding remains intact for 2026, ensuring continued progress in medical research and providing hope for a healthier tomorrow.