Washington, D.C., – Emily Kalmer was recognized as the country’s top government relations professional by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in honor of her exceptional work advocating for cancer-fighting public policies.
ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, presents the award to a staff person who has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in the areas of advocacy and public policy.
“Emily is an incredibly resourceful team member who has delivered significant impact by strengthening and adapting ACS CAN’s capacity and strategic campaigns in Missouri,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “She has established herself as a champion for all those impacted by this disease, and deftly represents their voices and experiences when leading successful public policy advocacy campaigns.”
Kalmer has served as ACS CAN’s Missouri Government Relations for six years. She shepherded the passage of key legislation in Missouri that has impacted millions of lives on multiple cancer policy issues, including- increased access to breast and cervical cancer treatment, tobacco cessation and prevention funding and copay assistance for prescription drugs. She spends countless hours working behind the scenes to ensure that ACS CAN’s volunteers have impactful opportunities and moments.
The award was presented on Sept. 15 as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Nearly 750 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones from Missouri and across the U.S. met with their elected officials to urge them to support policies that increase funding for cancer research and urge lawmakers to pass the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act.
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.