Kissimmee Resident Accepts National Volunteer Award for Excellence in Cancer Advocacy Work

ORLANDO, FL – September 28, 2021– Kissimmee resident, Butch Rivera, alongside his counterpart in Miami Gloria Garcia, was awarded the State Lead Ambassador of the Year (SLA) Award by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in recognition of his efforts to help make cancer a national priority.

This annual award is presented to a lead ACS CAN volunteer who has demonstrated exemplary leadership while advocating for ACS CAN’s priority areas of cancer-related public policy.

“Gloria and Butch are an unstoppable force in the fight against cancer,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “Together they have made significant strides in reducing the burden of cancer throughout Florida by pursuing innovative volunteer engagement activities, supporting strategic grassroots and legislative efforts and deftly representing ACS CAN in the media. We are immensely thankful for Gloria and Butch’s outstanding co-leadership and dedication to supporting public policies proven to save lives from this disease.”

Motivated to make his voice heard after losing his mother and mother-in-law to cancer and being diagnosed himself in 2018, Butch joined ACS CAN and began serving as Vice SLA in January 2021.

Already, he’s accomplished significant strides for the organization -- expertly and candidly, tying his personal passion with a superb ability to build a successful, highly respected volunteer team that has amplified the power of the American Cancer Society at-large.

“Butch is truly remarkable in his role, ready for any challenge that comes before him with a positive attitude and contagious energy,” noted Storm Goodlin, ACS CAN Florida Grassroots Manager. “He consistently comes up with innovative ideas, engages and inspired other volunteers nationwide and truly gone the extra mile, during a challenging legislative session.

Most recently, Butch led a statewide training with over 60 volunteers across the state, recruiting experts from all over the country to share on calls. Not only did he get them fired up and ensure the volunteer voice was at the heart of the event, but Butch went out of his way to congratulate other volunteers on their wins.

“He’s the type of leader to make everyone around him stronger and more confident,” added Susan Harbin Alford, ACS CAN Florida Government Relations Director, “His incredible work the past year is why we’re honored to call him our 2021 State Lead Ambassador of the year.”

The award was presented on Sept. 26 as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Nearly 700 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones, including Butch, will meet virtually with their elected officials on Sept. 28 to urge them to make cancer a national priority.

On behalf of all families touched by cancer, ACS CAN thanks both Butch for his incredible advocacy efforts that helps eliminate the burden of cancer in Florida and across the country. 

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About ACS CAN at 20 
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.