Senator Devlin Robinson received the National Distinguished Advocacy Award this week, the most prestigious award presented by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), in recognition of his significant contribution in the fight against cancer.
ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, presents the annual award to select lawmakers who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the area of cancer-related public policy advocacy.
“Senator Devlin Robinson has repeatedly distinguished himself as a leader and true advocate on cancer advocacy issues,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “From advocating for the passage of biomarker legislation in Pennsylvania to sponsoring the Pennsylvania Paid Family & Medical Leave Act, Senator Robinson has tirelessly advocated for policies that help cancer patients, caregivers and their loved ones. ACS CAN looks forward to our continued partnership on behalf of all who live, work and visit Pennsylvania.”
For Sen. Robinson, the fight against cancer is personal. His father battled prostate cancer for years, starting at a relatively young age. In the years ahead of and following his father’s diagnosis, Sen. Robinson’s family saw a number of cancer diagnoses. The cancer prevalence in his family motivated him to get tested for the BRCA gene, a mutation that can increase an individuals’ risk of cancer incidence. He tested positive. Since receiving this news, Sen. Robinson has been a champion for cancer patients in the PA Legislature.
“Cancer patients in Pennsylvania are very fortunate to have an ally like Senator Robinson in the Legislature. Through his work aimed at improving access to biomarker testing and paid family and medical leave, he has shown a singular commitment to reducing the cancer burden for Pennsylvanians. As someone who has loved and lost people to cancer who might’ve benefitted from biomarker testing and paid leave, I could not be more grateful to partner with Senator Robinson,” said Donna Kemberling, State Lead Ambassador for ACS CAN in Pennsylvania.
The award was presented on Sept. 18 as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Nearly 750 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones met with their elected officials to urge them to support policies that support policies that increase funding for cancer research and prevention programs and urge lawmakers to pass the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act.
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, 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 advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.