Signing for a solution is the basis behind a new cancer fighting campaign. It's called the Fightback Express and it's part of a 48-state bus tour to call attention to the need for more support from lawmakers when it comes to the fight against cancer.

"The elected officials are not going to listen unless we speak up," said lung cancer survivor Jeanette Gossett.

Gossett said she believes she developed the disease from second-hand smoke. She's now actively supporting a smoking ban in public places in Meridian.

This is just an example of one of the many requests that the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network supports. Designed as an advocacy partner group for the American Cancer Society, the Cancer Action Network specializes in lobbying lawmakers to support specific legislation.

"Lobbying is so important because they make the laws and they appropriate the money and the funds through various ways, and without our government buy in, we are not going to be able to beat cancer," said Betty Lou Jones of the American Cancer Society.

For at least two years in the past, Jones says different lobbying efforts by the network have resulted in more funding for cancer-related issues. Organizers say they are hopeful that this new six-month bus tour will do the same.

As part of the bus campaign, people in attendance had the opportunity to take a picture and type in messages that are sent, via Internet, directly to all state lawmakers and lawmakers who represent them in Congress.

"I've heard different things that the government wants to make it out-patient surgeries and things, and the surgery I had, no, and that's what I'm letting them know," said breast cancer survivor Betty Phillips.

From Meridian, the bus traveled on to Montgomery to continue the tour. Set to end in the heat of election season in November, organizers say they plan to transfer all of the signatures collected onto foam material and present the signatures to lawmakers in Washington.