National Cancer Advocacy Event Brings Hope Home to Hamden

HAMDEN – Despite the pandemic, cancer hasn’t stopped – and a second cancer diagnosis hasn’t stopped Hamden’s David “Coach” Koch from his work advocating and fundraising for lifesaving public policy measures.

As a result of cancer patients’ increased vulnerability to the coronavirus, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteers will not travel for the annual Lights of Hope ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., where tens of thousands of bags are decorated and adorned with the names of cancer survivors and those lost to this horrible disease.

Thanks to Koch’s efforts, hundreds of dedicated, lighted luminary bags will be on display on Saturday evening at his home in Hamden honoring lives impacted by cancer. The display is part of Lights of Hope Across America, which takes place on the front porches, kitchen tables and lawns of cancer patients, survivors and advocates nationwide.

Currently undergoing treatment for his second battle with cancer, this is Koch’s 11th year participating in this national fundraiser, where he consistently ranks among top in the nation for dollars raised for ACS CAN’s lifesaving mission.

In his 24 year cancer journey since his first diagnosis, Koch has met many people who he calls “heroes”, fellow people that have been diagnosed with cancer. He wants to make his voice heard to share his story and to speak up for those who can’t. This is why Koch is committed to fundraising for Lights of Hope and continues throughout his current cancer treatment to advocate lawmakers to pass lifesaving public policy.

As the organization marks its 20th anniversary this year, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society is as determined as ever to ensure cancer remains a top priority for policymakers at every level of government by empowering volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence public policy change that saves lives in Hamden and nationwide.

“Each one of these Lights of Hope is a life, a loved one, someone touched by cancer. Every year Lights of Hope sends an important message to lawmakers that we need their support in the fight against cancer. This year’s message is as important as ever,” said Koch. “As we hope to emerge from the worst of the pandemic, I look forward to getting my neighbors, family members and friends in Hamden involved in this heartfelt event to honor and remember our loved ones and their cancer fight, as well as remind everyone of the pandemic’s impact on cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones.”

For details on how to dedicate a Lights of Hope bag, please visit http://action.fightcancer.org/goto/Coach

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About ACS CAN at 20

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.