Published on September 28, 2010
Updated on February 13, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 28, 2010
MEDIA CONTACT:
Tracey Young
(703) 837-3687
ALEXANDRIA, VA — A bipartisan audience of members of Congress and their spouses honored cancer champions Liz’s Legacy of Nebraska, Good Morning America’s Sam Champion and celebrity Chef José Andrés for their outstanding service in support of cancer prevention, research, treatment and education. Special recognition was also given to Rep. Mike Castle (R-Del.) for his longstanding advocacy for cancer issues and contributions to the Congressional community as a whole.
The honorees were recognized for their efforts at the 18th annual Action for Cancer Awareness luncheon, hosted by the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program of the Prevent Cancer Foundation. In addition to members of Congress and spouses, the audience consisted of cancer community leaders, advocacy organizations and supporters. Paula Zahn of “On the Case with Paula Zahn” — Investigation Discovery (ID) channel — served as the Mistress of Ceremonies. The event was held Thursday, September 23, 2010 in the Cannon House Office Building.
“This annual awards lunch is held to thank Congressional spouses who work tirelessly to raise awareness about cancer prevention in their districts and nationwide all year round,” said Lisa McGovern, executive director of the Congressional Families Prevention Program. “Part of the program is to recognize a few stellar individuals or groups that inspire us to carry on the work and renew our commitment to it.” Ms. McGovern is the spouse of Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts.
2010 Recipients
Congressional Families Leadership Award
Liz’s Legacy (Nebraska). Liz’s Legacy is a charitable program supporting education and cancer research at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Eppley Cancer Center and Creighton University’s Medical Center Hereditary Cancer Center. Liz Karnes, who died from ovarian cancer in 2003, was the spouse of David Karnes who served in the U.S. Senate from Nebraska. The award to Liz’s Legacy honors Liz’s work and all that her Legacy continues to do. Liz’s four daughters – Korley, Kalen, Kara and Laurel – remain involved with this wonderful organization.
Distinguished Service in Journalism
Sam Champion (Good Morning America). As weather anchor for ABC (Good Morning America), Sam Champion spends a lot of time in the elements – including the sun with its cancer-causing rays. After being diagnosed with Basil cell carcinoma, Sam helped educate America about this and other types of skin cancer, reporting and tweeting while undergoing a surgical procedure performed on live on television.
Excellence in Cancer Awareness
Chef José Andrés (Jaleo, Zaytinya, Oyamel, Café Atlántico, minibar by José Andrés). Chef Andrés uses his visibility and celebrity as well as his mastery of cuisine to educate about food – its sources, nutritional value and maximizing its taste. He is an international and high-profile advocate for home cooking and fresh, healthy food. Chef Andrés has also been a leader in the campaign to improve the food our children eat at school. Through all his efforts to advance our food culture at home and overseas, José is helping everyone to live healthier, happier lives, and to prevent cancer.
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About the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program
The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program is dedicated to reducing cancer mortality though a bipartisan outreach effort by family members of the U.S. Senate, House, Cabinet and Supreme Court. Formed in 1991 as a partnership between the Congressional Club and the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the program enables Congressional spouses to educate themselves and their constituents about cancer prevention and early detection. The focus is awareness not advocacy.
About Prevent Cancer Foundation
For nearly 25 years the Prevent Cancer Foundation has provided nearly $120 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education and community outreach programs across the country. The Foundation’s peer-reviewed grants have been awarded to nearly 400 scientists from more than 150 of the leading academic medical centers nationwide. This research has been pivotal in developing a body of knowledge that is the basis for important cancer prevention and early detection strategies. For more information, please visit www.preventcancer.org.
