Pearl Carter Accepts National Volunteer Award for Excellence in Cancer Advocacy Work

VICKSBURG, MS – Pearl Carter was awarded the Ambassador Constituent Team (ACT!) Lead of the Year Award by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in recognition of her efforts to help make 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.

“Pearl is a revered cancer advocate in Mississippi, not only among her ACS CAN team but among her state and federal lawmakers with whom she has forged strong, enduring relationships,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “She brings outstanding efforts and unwavering dedication to the table every day, ready to help ACS CAN’s mission any way she can. Cancer patients are fortunate to have advocates like Pearl fighting for them.” 

After battling breast cancer, Pearl began volunteering with the American Cancer Society and ACS CAN in 1990 and currently serves as ACT! Lead in Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District.

“Pearl’s family has a strong family history of cancer and Pearl herself is a five-time cancer survivor. Because of her experiences with cancer, she is extremely passionate about the work we do at ACS CAN,” said Anita Bales, grassroots manager, ACS CAN. “Having lost so many family and friends to cancer, advocacy for cancer issues has become Pearl’s passion.”

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 met 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 Pearl for her incredible advocacy efforts that helps eliminate the burden of cancer in Mississippi 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.