American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Welcomes Phoenix Media Leader to the National Board of Directors

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) announces two new members, including Phoenix media professional Vanessa Ramirez, to its Board of Directors. The Board provides leadership and guidance for ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, which supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

"We are proud to welcome Vanessa who has a long history of advocating for cancer patients with the American Cancer Society and ACS CAN to our Board of Directors," said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. "Our mission to advocate for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone will be bolstered by the dedication, passion and experience Vanessa brings..”

As the host of Arizona Midday on the NBC affiliate in Phoenix and in-game host for the MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks, Ramirez uses her platform to amplify the needs of cancer patients, survivors, and their families. 

She has volunteered with ACS and ACS CAN since 2012. During her tenure, Ramirez has dedicated her time to several events including Leadership Summit and Lobby Day in Washington, D.C. where she urged members of Congress to support federal policies to aid in the fight against cancer. She has also attended and helped promote Cancer Action Day, held each year at the Arizona State Capitol. Her dedication as an advocate through fundraising and awareness earned her the Rising Star Woman of the Year Award in 2016.
 

Ramirez’s passion for cancer advocacy first began after her father, who never used tobacco, passed from lung cancer in 2011. While the grief was unbearable at times, Ramirez decided to keep her father’s memory alive by helping others affected by cancer. She now organizes a fundraiser named after her late father, The Frank Ramirez Breathe to Believe fundraiser, which has raised more than $200,000 for cancer organizations, collectively.  

Ramirez looks forward to extending her advocacy work to a national platform while continuing to raise awareness about the importance of getting screened.  

“ACS CAN looks forward to an impactful year of cancer advocacy under the leadership of our Board of Directors, particularly with the newly added expertise and influence of Vanessa. We thank her for her commitment to the organization’s lifesaving mission,” continued Lacasse.

The ACS CAN Board of Directors consists of 18 members who lead ACS CAN in partnership with ACS CAN and American Cancer Society Interim CEO Dr. Wayne Frederick and ACS CAN President Lisa Lacasse.