Washington, D.C. – Senator Lisa Murkowski received the National Distinguished Advocacy Award on Tuesday, September 10, the most prestigious award presented by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), in recognition of her significant contributions to the fight against cancer.
ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, presents the annual award to select lawmakers who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the area of cancer-related public policy advocacy.
"Sen. Murkowski has long been a dedicated champion when it comes to the fight against cancer, repeatedly prioritizing legislation that is critical to our mission to reduce suffering and death from this disease," said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. "We’re grateful for all she’s done, and continues to do, to address the burden of cancer for families across the country."
Sen. Murkowski has been a strong supporter of a wide range of legislative issues proven to help reduce death and suffering from cancer. In a true demonstration of her commitment to protecting patients’ access to quality, affordable health care, Sen. Murkowski voted against efforts to repeal the health care law in 2017. She brings bipartisan support to anti-tobacco legislation, including the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, and most recently introduced the Stop Appealing Flavors in E-cigarettes to Kids (SAFE) Act to prohibit the sale of most flavored tobacco products targeted to youth.
"For nearly 20 years, Sen. Murkowski has been an unwavering ally to the ACS CAN Alaska team on behalf of Alaskans and Americans impacted by cancer," said Johna Beech, state lead volunteer ambassador for ACS CAN in Alaska and Kenai resident. "She’s used her leadership role to influence legislation proven to improve public health, and we look forward to our continued partnership in the fight against cancer."
The award was announced at ACS CAN’s annual Leadership Summit and Lobby Day in Washington, D.C., as nearly 700 volunteers and staff from across the country convened to ask Congress to support policies that increase cancer research funding, improve patient quality of life, make colorectal cancer screenings more affordable for seniors and restrict flavoring of tobacco products to protect youth. Beech and fellow Alaska cancer advocates presented Murkowski with the award during a meeting with the senator on Tuesday.
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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.