Last Tuesday, Sept. 24, as dusk set in Washington, D.C. the nation’s Constitution Gardens were aglow with over 10,000 colorful luminary bags, each decorated with a loved one’s name and cancer story. Among these were 50 displays recognizing honorees from every state across the country, honored as the state’s “Pillar of Hope” — including Ethel and Joe Ricci from Warwick.

Ethel and Joe have been core members of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network for over a decade. After losing her sister to cancer in 2015, Ethel was compelled to give what she could to help prevent others from going through a similar experience. Together, the husband-and-wife team have devoted time and energy to the fight against cancer, a voice for those they have lost.

Over the last decade, the pair traveled to Washington, D.C to meet with federal lawmakers and advocate for increased cancer research funding and increased access to care. At the state level, they have been an effective presence at the Rhode Island State House, working to expand access to biomarker testing and colorectal cancer screenings — among many other things.

“Whether collecting petition signatures, meeting with lawmakers, or submitting one of their many letters to the editor, Ethel and Joe are a dynamic duo in the cancer fight,” said Ryan Strik, director of government relations for ACS CAN in Rhode Island.

Each year, ACS CAN hosts its Lights of Hope event as a powerful tribute to remember loved ones lost to cancer and celebrate the millions of cancer survivors and advocates who continue to raise their voice to end cancer.

“Cancer affects everyone but does not affect everyone equally. Lights of Hope sends a visual reminder to our lawmakers that they must do more to help save lives from this horrible disease by ensuring everyone has a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer,” said Strik.

As the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, ACS CAN works to ensure cancer is a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. The organization empowers volunteers nationwide to make their voices heard and influence public policy change that saves lives from cancer in Rhode Island and nationwide.