Kendra Krueger Receives Professional Achievement Award for Outstanding Grassroots Efforts in Cancer Advocacy

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Kendra Krueger was awarded Grassroots Professional of the Year by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) for her outstanding work in grassroots organizing in support of our mission to make cancer a national priority.

This annual award is given to an ACS CAN staff member whose strong dedication to grassroots organizing furthers the achievement of advocacy mission goals.

“Kendra is truly a critical and impactful team member who brings significant value and expertise to our work,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “She has made exceptional contributions to advancing both North and South Dakota’s fight against cancer and is adept at empowering grassroots volunteers to amplify their voices on behalf of everyone facing a cancer diagnosis.”                                             

Kendra has served as ACS CAN North and South Dakota Grassroots Manager since 2021 and 2018, respectively. In the roll, she empowers local volunteers to mobilize and advance public policies proven to help reduce the cancer burden.

Kendra’s direct support and engagement of our volunteers contributed to the defeat of Amendment C in South Dakota and has paved the way for our Medicaid expansion campaign. She has been instrumental building and growing lasting relationships with volunteers and producing short films that tell the stories of people who need affordable health care.

“Kendra is integral to our mission, she loves the Dakotas, she loves our volunteers, and she sets the standard in our mission to make cancer a thing of the past,” said Matthew McLarty, ACS CAN government relations director for North and South Dakota. 

The award was presented on Sept. 11 as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Nearly 700 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones met in-person for the first time since 2019 with their elected officials on Sept. 13 to urge them to make cancer a national priority.

ACS CAN is grateful for Kendra’s passion and determination to reduce the toll of cancer on patients, survivors and their families.

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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.