Published on April 7, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 7, 2009
MEDIA CONTACT:
Apoorva Sabnis-Stull
(703) 837-3687
apoorva.sabnis-stull@preventcancer.org
Three Extraordinary Individuals Recognized for Efforts in Advocacy, Leadership and Innovation
Alexandria, VA — On the heels of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the Prevent Cancer Foundation hosted the 11th annual Dialogue for Action™ for Colorectal Cancer Screening; Harnessing the Power of Success last week in Baltimore. During the conference, the Foundation honored three outstanding colorectal cancer awareness prevention champions. Joe Arite, Director of Policy for The Colorectal Cancer Coalition, Dr. Tim Byers, MPH and Dr. Diane Dwyer all received The Cancer Prevention Laurel.
The term laurel is an ancient Roman symbol of tribute, honor, victory, merit, and reward and the Cancer Prevention Laurels are the centerpiece of the conference. The Foundation created the Cancer Prevention Laurel to recognize and celebrate innovators and leaders in the fight against colorectal cancer. Vince Papale, the former Philadelphia Eagles football player and colorectal cancer survivor, presented the winners with the award.
Joe Arite received the Cancer Prevention Laurel for Advocacy because of his dedication and work as Director of Policy at the Colorectal Cancer Coalition and manager of its grassroots action committee. Mr. Arite has been an enthusiastic advocate with his tireless work organizing such diverse efforts as the C3 Colorectal Cancer Action Center, Call-On Congress, Congressional Butt-In and the memorable Cover Your Butt campaign, which focuses on guaranteeing coverage of colorectal cancer screening and treatment for Americans. Mr. Arite’s commitment and ability to gently but firmly move individuals to action continue to make a difference in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.
The Cancer Prevention Laurel for National Leadership was awarded to Dr. Tim Byers, the current Interim Director for the University of Colorado Cancer Center (UCCC). Dr. Byer leads the NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, administers the UCCC’s Cancer Prevention and Control Program and serves as Professor and Associate Dean at the Colorado School of Public Health. Dr. Byers’ dedication and leadership is unsurpassed as he continually offers his expertise to numerous national and international organizations including the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the World Cancer Research Fund and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
Dr. Diane Dwyer received the Cancer Prevention Laurel for Innovative Programs. As the medical director of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Center for Cancer Surveillance and Control, Diane is recognized for her expertise and leadership in cancer prevention. Her efforts in the area of colorectal cancer contribute greatly to enhancing cancer control in Maryland leading to increasing cancer screening rates and declining mortality rates.
As the creator and convener of this annual conference, the Prevent Cancer Foundation is committed to providing a forum to exchange ideas on the potential for increasing preventive services and colorectal cancer screening — in spite of the current health care crisis. The concept of this conference is to: spark a dialogue, create action, and continue to make strides toward a cancer-free future.
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About Prevent Cancer Foundation
The Prevent Cancer Foundation (formerly the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation) was started in 1985. Today, it is one of the nation’s leading health organizations and has catapulted cancer prevention to prominence. Through healthy lifestyle choices, you can reduce your risk of breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, oral, prostate, skin and testicular cancers.
Since its inception the Prevent Cancer Foundation has provided more than $106 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.
