Charlotte Resident Receives Emerging Leader Award for Excellence in Cancer Advocacy

CHARLOTTE, NC – September 14, 2020 – Yesterday, local resident Victoria Crocker was presented the Emerging Leader award by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) for her innovative advocacy efforts to help make cancer a national priority.

This annual award is presented to a state volunteer who has demonstrated a promising start in her role with ACS CAN by leveraging new opportunities to advocate for cancer patients.

“During her first year as an ACS CAN advocate, Victoria has already established herself as a true champion for the cancer community by bringing new, creative solutions to the table,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “We are energized by the undeniable passion she contributes to our advocacy work and look forward to celebrating her many future achievements on behalf of cancer patients in North Carolina and nationwide.”

Victoria joined ACS CAN as a volunteer in 2020 and has recently stepped into the role of Ambassador Constituent Team (ACT) Lead, leading advocacy efforts in North Carolina’s Ninth District. In her short tenure, she’s already led the entire state in fundraising efforts during a challenging year and created incredible momentum around ACS CAN’s efforts internally and externally among legislators.  

“Victoria’s positivity and energy has reinvigorated our North Carolina team. From the federal team to the state level, we are all incredibly impressed with her strong leadership and willingness to take on new challenges,” shared Associate Director of Grassroots and Program Integration Patti Bossert. “Her skills and engagement will take North Carolina far in our efforts to prevent cancer and protect patients and their families.”

Moved by the story of Henriette Lacks, Victoria decided to honor Lacks’ memory and raise awareness on cancer disparities in the Black community by cycling 250 miles across the state to raise funds for ACS CAN. Taking on additional challenges to educate on health disparities, Victoria organized a virtual book club to explore themes of poverty, racism and more that impact cancer mortality and incidence rates in communities of color.

The award was presented on Sept. 13 as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Nearly 700 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones will meet virtually with their elected officials on Sept. 15 to urge them to make cancer a national priority.

ACS CAN applauds Victoria’s passion and creative thinking when advocating on behalf of cancer patients and survivors.

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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.