From Grief To Advocacy: Louis Boyang’s Mission

Advocacy for Research Funding: A Lifelong Commitment

Louis’s commitment to advcocay is as strong as his dedication to research. He recognizes that change is necessary both in the lab and on Capitol Hill. “Without going to DC and seeking research funding and spreading awareness to the community at large through organizations like KidneyCAN or Joey’s Wings, robust new therapeutics and interventions could never reach patient hands,” he explains.

Through his work with Joey’s Wings and his participation in KidneyCAN’s Advocacy Days, Louis understands firsthand the challenges researchers face in securing funding.

“Seeing the lack of funding and the constant fight for grant after grant in the cancer research space firsthand at my lab constantly reminds me that this fight for getting research funding through advocating to our legislators is not a ‘one and done’ goal, but a continuous one that we have to keep on striving for.”

Louis draws motivation from the collective effort of the cancer advocacy community. “On harder days, I remember that KidneyCAN, Joey’s Wings, and the cancer advocacy communities as a whole are built on strong, impassioned advocates who are all collectively fighting for patients,” he says.

Whether working in a research lab, organizing grassroots efforts, or advocating on Capitol Hill, Louis finds strength in knowing that his efforts, combined with those of others, are making a real impact.