Monica Theis Receives National Volunteer Award for Commitment to Cancer Advocacy

Minneapolis, MN – Monica Theis was awarded (ACT!) Lead of the Year by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) for her exceptional commitment to advocacy work and making cancer a national priority.

This annual award is given to a lead congressional district volunteer who has demonstrated remarkable leadership advocating for ACS CAN’s mission priority areas of cancer-related public policy.

“Monica is a tireless advocate who speaks out on behalf of all those fighting cancer, in California and across the country,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “Her outstanding efforts are reflected in her ability to organize and mobilize a robust team of local volunteers to champion strong and effective public policy proven to end suffering and death from cancer.”

Monica leads the Ambassador Constituent Team (ACT!) in Congressional District 5 for ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society. As the ACT! Lead, she serves as the primary volunteer contact with District 5 lawmakers, and actively recruits and manages other local volunteers to lead advocacy and fundraising efforts.

Monica has been an active member of the ACS CAN volunteer team since 2017. Her dedication to the mission of ACS and ACS CAN has never wavered. Monica has stage four metastatic breast cancer and is a four-time cancer survivor. Her personal experience with cancer only strengthens her drive, commitment and passion for this work.

“Even in hard times, Monica puts others ahead of herself. She’s a constant inspiration for staff and volunteers to do all we can in the fight against cancer,” said Britta Babel, ACS CAN Minnesota Grassroots Manager. “There’s no recognition that would adequately acknowledge the power, passion and dedication that Monica has brought to ACS and ACS CAN, but this award is the chance to recognize her for her commitment to our shared mission,” added Babel.

“Facing cancer can feel helpless. So much with cancer is out of our control. ACS CAN has provided me the tools to take action through advocacy, to share my story with lawmakers who can fund research and lifesaving screening,” said Monica. “My work with ACS CAN is meaningful and it motivates me to fight for others facing this disease now and in the future.  ACS CAN helps fill a void – it fills my bucket of hope. This award reminds me how much this work matters for so many.”

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.