Barbara Grassley, spouse of Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, is the salt of the earth – reliable, hard working, and kind. She is also a 25 year breast cancer survivor who has used her experience and visibility to raise awareness about prevention and early detection. Barb has been a longtime member of the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention program’s executive council, consistently helping to guide the group’s efforts to spread the prevention message. So I was thrilled to be on hand to personally applaud her as she was recognized and saluted at the recent Tracy’s Kids red carpet event.
Barbara Grassley
On February 7th, a fundraiser for Tracy’s Kids art program brought together several hundred movie goers for its “And the Winner Is….” event. The annual function, which raises funds for a program providing art therapy to children undergoing cancer treatment, presents a Courage Award to a role model who exemplifies the strength, dignity and perseverance necessary to face those daily challenges.
My friend Barb Grassley is certainly deserving of this recognition, as was the presenter of her award – fellow Senate spouse Marcelle Leahy of Vermont – who was honored in 2007. Strength and dignity are qualities they demonstrate daily.
Thanks to these wonderful women who use their experience to raise awareness through their work with the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Congressional Families’ program. Congratulations Barb!
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