Bipartisan event celebrates 25 years honoring cancer leaders
Congressional spouses Sarah Hospodor-Pallone and Marie Royce, journalist Laurie McGinley and sunscreen company Sun Bum® honored at 25th annual bipartisan, bicameral luncheon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2017
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Berry
703-519-2107
Lisa.Berry@preventcancer.org
WASHINGTON– The Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program honored The Washington Post’s Laurie McGinley, sunscreen company Sun Bum®, and congressional spouses Sarah Hospodor-Pallone and Marie Royce at the 25th Annual Action for Cancer Awareness Awards luncheon yesterday at the Library of Congress.
The Program’s signature event attracts a bipartisan, bicameral audience of Members of Congress and spouses, diplomats and leaders in the cancer prevention community. Investigation Discovery Channel’s Paula Zahn served as the master of ceremonies.
“This year’s award recipients exemplify our program’s mission to educate the public about cancer prevention through knowledge, inspiration and action,” said Congressional Families Executive Director Lisa McGovern. “As we celebrate 25 years of the awards, not only do we recognize traditional outreach, but we honor individuals and organizations who are finding innovative new ways to educate the public about cancer prevention and early detection.”
This year’s honorees for the Action for Cancer Awareness Awards:
- Sarah Hospodor-Pallone (spouse of Rep. Frank Pallone of New Jersey) received the Congressional Families Leadership Award for her longtime participation on the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program Advisory Committee, and in recent years, the Program’s Executive Council. In this role, she has been a driving force in implementing educational seminars on topics including disparities in health care available to women veterans, managing aging and prevention, and the proliferation of indoor tanning beds on college campuses.
- Marie Royce (spouse of Rep. Edward Royce of California) received the Congressional Families Leadership Award in honor of her many years of commitment to the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program and as a member of the Executive Council. She has helped foster support of both Program and Foundation-wide events, educating congressional spouses and diplomatic spouses and inspiring them to get involved.
- Laurie McGinley accepted the Distinguished Service in Journalism Award for media leadership. She is a veteran health care reporter who has worked for several major news organizations, and since March 2016 has covered cancer, the Food and Drug Administration and other medical issues for The Washington Post’s national staff. Her stories often focus on new and traditional treatments and their impact on patients.
- Tom Rinks accepted the Excellence in Cancer Awareness Award on behalf of Sun Bum® and its nonprofit arm, Protect The Groms®. The company was recognized for its outstanding use of social media to inspire sun safe practices, especially in children, teens and young adults. The company’s nonprofit program partners with schools to provide shelter, sunscreen and educational materials to keep kids safe in the sun.
Top Row: Drake Rinks, Katie Posey, Patricia Garamendi, Kasey Crowley, Jennifer Messer, Paula Zahn, Lisa McGovern
Bottom Row: Tom Rinks, Sarah Hospodor-Pallone, Laurie McGinley, Marie Royce
Photo Credit: Joanne Amos/Reflections Photography.
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About the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program
The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program began in 1991 as a partnership between the Prevent Cancer Foundation® and the Congressional Club, a bipartisan organization of spouses of Members of the House, Senate, Cabinet and Supreme Court. Spouses active in the Program share an interest in advancing cancer prevention and early detection programs and education. For more information, visit www.congressionalfamilies.org
About the Prevent Cancer Foundation®
The Prevent Cancer Foundation® is one of the nation’s leading voluntary health organizations and the only U.S. nonprofit focused solely on cancer prevention and early detection. Founded in 1985, it has catapulted cancer prevention to prominence and fulfills its mission through research, education, outreach and advocacy across the country. For more information, visit www.preventcancer.org.