Donna Lundy Accepts Top Volunteer Award for Excellence in Cancer Advocacy Work

MIAMI, FL – September 14, 2020 – Yesterday, local resident Donna Lundy was awarded the Volunteer Award for Excellence in Advocacy by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in recognition of their efforts to help make cancer a national priority.

Each year, a lead volunteer who has consistently demonstrated strong leadership while advocating in areas of cancer-related public policy is recognized by their peers with this top honor.

“Throughout her many years as a volunteer leader, Donna has demonstrated an unrelenting commitment to reducing death and suffering caused by cancer,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “Thanks to her dedication to the fight against cancer, we’ve made great strides toward implementing meaningful legislation to save more lives from this disease in Florida and nationwide. We are immensely grateful to Donna and her continued advocacy.”

For over 24 years, Donna has been a committed volunteer leader for the American Cancer Society and ACS CAN. She currently serves on ACS CAN’s National Ambassador Team, after previously serving two years as Florida’s State Lead Ambassador. She is Vice Chair for the Southeast Florida Area Board, and in 2018 the ACS Board of Directors awarded Donna the St. George Medal in recognition of her outstanding service in advancing the goals of the American Cancer Society.

“It is, indeed, difficult to list the many ways in which Donna has contributed to our success -- which is why she exemplifies the qualities and characteristics required for this recognition,” shared previous Senior Government Relations Director Heather Youmans. “Donna has endless patience and cares deeply about each and every volunteer in Florida, to the point where she personally calls and welcomes each volunteer to our team. She is the most committed volunteer I have ever had the pleasure of working with at ACS CAN or anywhere.”

Donna has been relentless in pursuing both our state and national legislative agenda, playing an integral in the passage of including the passage of the state’s $1 cigarette tax increase and helping defeat a proposal that would cut funding to Florida’s Tobacco Prevention and Education funding. Most notably, she lead efforts to add e-cigarettes to Florida’s Clean Indoor Act through the passage of Amendment 9.

“Donna is natural leader with a heart for our mission. Whenever it has become necessary to rally the troops in a ‘can’t afford to fail’ campaign, she’s led the charge with equal parts grace and vigor,” shared Vice President of Regional Advocacy Paul Hull. “On behalf of all families touched by cancer, ACS CAN thanks Donna for her incredible advocacy efforts that helps eliminate the burden of cancer in Florida and across the country.”

The award was presented on Sept. 13 as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Nearly 600 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.

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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.