Michael Holtz Receives Top Volunteer Award for Excellence in Cancer Advocacy

Knoxville, TN  – Michael Holtz was named the State Lead Ambassador (SLA) of the Year by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) for his dedicated volunteer and advocacy efforts to help make cancer a national priority.

This annual award is presented to a lead ACS CAN volunteer who has demonstrated exemplary leadership while advocating for ACS CAN’s priority areas of cancer-related public policy.

“As an ACS CAN State Lead Ambassador and cancer survivor, Michael inspires his fellow Tennesseans to stand up and advocate on behalf of cancer patients and survivors both in their communities and across the country,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “We are thankful for Michael’s outstanding leadership and dedication to supporting public policies proven to save lives from cancer.”

ACS CAN is the nation’s largest cancer advocacy organization and supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. As the SLA for Tennessee since 2014, Michael collaborates with lawmakers, ACS CAN staff members and other volunteers to advance cancer-related legislative campaign goals for the state. Prior to serving as SLA, Michael worked on ACS CAN’s media advocacy team for 12 years.

“Michael always shows great determination while advocating for meaningful legislation that helps eliminate the burden of cancer in our community,” said Jessica Hyder, Tennessee grassroots manager for ACS CAN. “His efforts to end suffering and death from this disease are greatly appreciated by all those touched by cancer, both here in Tennessee and across the country.”

The award was presented on Sept. 8 in Washington, D.C., as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Nearly 700 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones traveled to the nation’s capital to meet with their elected officials and urge them to make cancer a national priority.

ACS CAN recognizes Michael’s determination to advocate for meaningful legislation that helps eliminate the burden of cancer across the country.

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About ACS CAN

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.