NCCS Celebrates 25 Years of Advocacy at the Rays of Hope^® Awards Gala

“In 1986, I along with 22 other cancer-committed activists – people running cancer support groups, leading local survivor organizations, doing community-based research, writing about cancer in an effort to bring it out of the closet – gathered in Albuquerque, New Mexico to found NCCS.  I don’t think that any of us imagined that 25 years later we would be gathering in our nation’s capitol to be celebrating all that NCCS has accomplished and be looking forward to the many opportunities for this organization moving forward.”

— Fitzhugh Mullan, NCCS Founder

The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) recently celebrated the 25th Anniversary Rays of Hope® Awards Gala on November 3rd, 2011 at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in downtown DC. This event marked a special milestone for NCCS, and a meaningful occasion to recognize individuals and organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to cancer survivorship. 

Catherine Logan Award for Service to Survivorship: California Breast Cancer Research Program

The California Breast Cancer Research Program (CBCRP), which is administered by the University of California Office of the President, was created in 1993 by California lawmakers to lead innovative research in breast cancer biology, causes, prevention, treatment and survivorship.  The program has become a model for involving advocates and scientists in research strategies and award funding. In CBCRP’s 18 years, California taxpayers have continuously supported this initiative through voluntary individual contributions on their tax forms.   In these tough economic times, NCCS thought it critical to highlight California’s broad support for the CBCRP and its positive impact on breast cancer research.  To date, the organization has awarded more than $225 million to over 100 institutions across the state to discover innovative ways to prevent, treat and cure breast cancer.

Lilly Tartikoff / Entertainment Industry Foundation Hope Award for Cancer Philanthropy: Presented Posthumously to Laura Ziskin, Stand Up To Cancer

This award, presented posthumously to Laura Ziskin and accepted by Laura’s close friend and business partner, Pam Oas Williams, acknowledges Ms. Ziskin for her inspiring philanthropic work and significant contributions to cancer survivorship.

In 2008, Laura Ziskin co-founded Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) with a desire to make a real impact in the fight against cancer. SU2C's goal is to bring together the best and the brightest in the cancer community and encourage collaboration among all those dedicated to ending this disease. Ziskin produced the historic Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) televised event to increase awareness about cancer and raise funds to support and accelerate groundbreaking cancer research to get new therapies to patients quickly, saving lives.

Public Service Leadership Award: The Honorable Robert J. Dole

NCCS recognizes Senator Robert Dole for his efforts in Congress, especially where he assumed a leadership role in dealing with legislative matters related to cancer research and cancer care. In addition, sharing his personal cancer experience has made a significant impact on millions of Americans affected by cancer.

Legislative Advocate Award: The Honorable Lois Capps and The Honorable Charles W. Boustany, Jr.

Serving the State of California’s 23rd District, Congresswoman Lois Capps has devoted her life to public service and is a nationally recognized leader on a variety of topics, including Medicare reform, health care issues and cancer. NCCS commends Congresswoman Capps, a former nurse, for her dedication throughout her career to addressing these issues and recognizes her as a stalwart advocate of cancer care planning through her co-sponsorship of the Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act.

Representing Louisiana’s 7th District, Congressman Charles Boustany, a cardiologist by training, understands the importance of health care and is at the forefront of the health care policy debate in Congress. His professional commitment to improving health care and his personal belief that patient-doctor relationships are the most important part of health care has fueled his work to implement patient-centered health care solutions. NCCS salutes Congressman Boustany’s efforts and his actions as a great proponent of cancer care planning and co-sponsor of the Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act.

Special Recognition for the Creation, Development and Production of the Cancer Survival Toolbox: Medical Minds and the Toolbox Team

Over the past 13 years, Medical Minds, a health care communications agency, and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship partnered together to develop, manage and produce the award-winning Cancer Survival Toolbox®. Building on strong foundations in science and medicine, this highly qualified “Toolbox Team” consists of Medical Minds, led by Lynn Nye and Art Nagano and nationally recognized oncology nurses and social workers, including Elizabeth J. Clark, Carol Marcusen, Katherine Walsh, P.J. Haylock, Susan Leigh, and Ruth Van Gerpen. Together, they created the innovative Cancer Survival Toolbox, a unique and effective resource that provides tools to empower patients to become active participants in their own care and encourages patients to have more productive and meaningful conversations with their doctor and health care team.