American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Welcomes Two New Members to the National Board of Directors

WASHINGTON, D.C.— February 17, 2025 — The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) announces two new members to the Board of Directors for 2025. 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 two distinguished advocates, both with long histories 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 steadfast dedication, passion and expertise these leaders bring with them.” 
 
Vanessa Ramirez – Arizona: As the host of Arizona Midday on the NBC affiliate in Phoenix and in-game host for the MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks, Vanessa Ramirez uses her platform to amplify the needs of cancer patients, survivors, and their families. 

Ramirez has volunteered with ACS and ACS CAN since 2012. During her tenure, she 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. Ramirez 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. Ramirez 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.  

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

Gwen Spencer – Massachusetts: A seasoned partner at one of the world's largest accounting firms, PwC, Gwen Spencer served nearly three decades with the prestigious organization. 

Spencer is the chair emeritus of American Cancer Society’s Eastern New England Area board of directors, having served on the board since 2018. During her tenure, she was instrumental in providing leadership and strategic guidance to its membership. Spencer saw measurable results in this volunteer leadership role, contributing to the New England Area exceeding its fundraising goal in recent years.  

Spencer’s cancer advocacy work includes fundraising and engagement for the ACS CAN’s Annual New England Research and Health Equity Breakfast, as well as consistent support of the state’s annual Cancer Action Day on Beacon Hill. 

Over the past four years, Spencer has participated in many additional community events to support the Society’s mission, including Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Boston, Bicycles Battling Cancer, and the Boston Hope Lodge.  

Spencer is now retired and lives in Sutton, MA with her husband and has two college aged children. 
 
“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 and Gwen. We thank them for their 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. 

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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