(NEXSTAR) – Cancer survivors, family members and other advocates rallied on Capitol Hill Tuesday for more research funding from the federal government.

For Morgan Newman, who traveled from Norwalk, Iowa, to attend, the cause is deeply personal.

At age 24, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer.

"It's a life disruptor," Newman said. "Everything changes."

Newman defied the odds and is now nine years cancer-free.

"Without early detection and cancer research, I wouldn't be here today telling my story," she said.

Some lawmakers joined the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network to rally in support of the cause.

"Rightfully, we come here today to say what can we do?" Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) said to the crowd. "And Washington is a pretty good place to start."

"We have to stand toget

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