Bradley Receives Award for Excellence in Cancer-Fighting Policy

Award is an Honor Bestowed by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

CONCORD – October 26, 2015 – State Senator Jeb Bradley was awarded the 2015 Distinguished Advocacy Award, a prestigious honor bestowed by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in recognition of his commitment to ensuring access to oral chemotherapy for Granite Staters living with cancer.

The award is presented by ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, to select officials who have demonstrated leadership and commitment in the area of cancer-related public policy advocacy.

“Sen. Bradley’s leadership was crucial to creating oral chemotherapy fairness in New Hampshire, and has provided a beacon of hope for cancer patients across New Hampshire who might otherwise struggle to afford the medication they need to survive,” said Mike Rollo, director of Government Relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in New Hampshire. “His continued advocacy across party lines and ensuing success in passing this bill demonstrates Sen. Bradley’s commitment to fighting cancer through public policy, and we look forward to continuing to work together to save lives in the Granite State.” 

The legislation filed by Sen. Bradley remedied an antiquated benefit design involving oral anticancer treatments and intravenous anticancer treatments, which resulted in thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs for many patients needing an oral anticancer medication.

“It was an honor to work with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network passing legislation intended to create parity for chemotherapy treatments. This legislation will provide cancer patients a better opportunity to fight this terrible disease. I am grateful for the many supporters of this legislation that helped get it signed into law,” Bradley said.

Under Sen. Bradley’s leadership, New Hampshire has joined the ranks of 40 states plus the District of Columbia that have enacted similar legislation to control out of pocket costs for cancer patients, including all New England states.

The award was presented to Sen. Bradley at the annual American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event in North Conway, which united thousands of cancer survivors and their families to walk together in the fight against breast cancer.

ACS CAN is the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate organization of the American Cancer Society, dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage lawmakers, candidates and government officials to support laws and policies that will make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.

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