The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) honored Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) with its 2010 California Federal Advocacy Leadership Award for her legislative commitment in Congress to combating cancer.
“ACS CAN’s unfailing advocacy in the Halls of Congress is a key reason the Appropriations Committee has continued to fund the National Cancer Institute with the largest increase within the NIH, and it is a key reason the National Cancer Institute received an unprecedented $1.2 billion dollars in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act,” Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard said during her remarks. “As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am committed to continuing to fight for needed funding and I am committed to bringing focus on the disparities that exist in cancer research and treatment outcomes.”
Held at Steven’s Steak House, an estimated 90 community and health leaders attended the network’s California Advocacy Leadership Award Dinner. In presenting the award to the congresswoman, the network said: “You have demonstrated leadership in support of ACS CAN’s federal advocacy agenda through legislative initiatives, as well as showing visible public commitment in the effort to eradicate cancer.”
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is a non-partisan legislative advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society that strives to make the elimination of cancer a national priority.
“I commend the Cancer Action Network and all of you for your courage and tireless efforts on behalf of the thousands of individuals who suffer and die from this devastating disease,” continued Congresswoman Roybal-Allard after sharing with the audience that her sister is a breast cancer survivor. “Through your advocacy and the telling of your personal stories and experiences you are truly making a difference in people’s lives and in keeping the doors of possibility open until our war against cancer is won. Again, I thank the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network for this award which I most sincerely share with each and every one of you.”
Pictured in the group photo of local ACS CAN advocates surrounding the congresswoman: (front row, left to right) Kevin Keane, ACS CA Director of Federal Advocacy; Dr. Christy Russell, MD, CA State Chair of ACS CAN; Idonia Ramos of Bell, the award dinner event chair and legislative ambassador; Congresswoman Roybal-Allard (holding the award); Elisa R. Perez of Hemet, legislative ambassador; Dante D’Eramo, master of ceremonies and CEO of the Huntington Park Chamber of Commerce; and Dr. Israel De Alba, President-elect of the CA Division of the ACS. Pictured in the back row, from left to right: Leticia Martinez of Huntington Park, legislative ambassador; Victoria Herrera of Huntington Park, legislative ambassador; Rosa E. Perez of Huntington Park, legislative ambassador; Estela Gomez of Huntington Park, legislative ambassador; and Evelia Castillo Rodriguez of Santa Fe Springs, legislative ambassador.
