A press release from the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program:
Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program Showcases Outstanding Leaders in Cancer Prevention at Annual Capitol Hill Awards Luncheon
A father and daughter team, lymphoma survivor and mother all honored for their relentless dedication
(Alexandria, Va.)—The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program is honoring
- Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA),
- ESPN broadcaster Erin Andrews and her father Steve Andrews and
- Congressional spouse Freda Manzullo
at the 19th annual Action for Cancer Awareness Awards Luncheon.
Each fall, the program recognizes the activities of Congressional spouses, members of Congress, the media and community advocates who have distinguished themselves by their work to educate the public on
- cancer prevention,
- early detection and
- reducing the risks for this disease.
“This unique Capitol Hill event brings together a bipartisan, bicameral group of spouses and members of Congress – along with leaders in the cancer community – for an hour of unity to renew our commitment to fight cancer and recognize the work of those who inspire us through their efforts,” said Lisa McGovern, executive director of the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program.
“All four of this year’s honorees have dedicated their talent and energy to educate the public about cancer prevention and promoting early detection.”
Paula Zahn of On the Case with Paula Zahn on the Investigation Discovery (ID) channel will serve as the mistress of ceremonies. The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program of the Prevent Cancer Foundation will celebrate the 20-year milestone year as well as the 2011 Award Recipients:
Sitting next to her husband Don, Freda Manzullo waves an American Flag in the 2011 Crystal Lake 4th of July Parade
Freda Manzullo is receiving the Congressional Families Leadership Award. A lymphoma survivor herself, Freda has made it her mission to raise awareness, especially in her home district of Illinois. She is active in the cancer community, participating in events to raise awareness and fundraisers. The wife of Rep. Don Manzullo (R-Ill.), Freda serves as president of the Republican spouses and is beloved by her colleagues on both sides of the aisle for her grace and generosity of spirit. She is a respected wife, mother and strong supporter and advocate to so many cancer patients.
Erin and Steve Andrews will be receiving the Distinguished Service in Journalism Award, honoring renowned journalists who have made a significant and responsible contribution through their work to educate about the need for cancer prevention and advances in cancer research. Erin Andrews reports for ESPN, and her father is a seven time Emmy award winning journalist from Tampa, Fla. When Steve Andrews was diagnosed with prostate cancer, the two used their talents and visibility to help educate the public through their involvement with “On the Line.” The awareness initiative uses the power of sports entertainment to encourage discussion between men and their family, friends and physicians about prostate cancer risk factors, testing and treatment options.Erin Andrews is one of the first women to speak publicly about the disease, and their campaign is geared towards both men and women. The Andrews hope people will begin to talk as freely about prostate cancer as they now do about breast cancer.
Rep. Lois Capps (D-Calif.) is being honored with the Excellence in Cancer Awareness Award for her commitment to cancer prevention and early detection through public service and policy. A former Congressional spouse, she became a member of Congress when her husband, Walter, died in 1996. A former nurse, she serves as co-chair of the Cancer Caucus. In 2000, she lost her daughter Lisa Margarit Capps, after a valiant, year-long fight against lung cancer. Since then, Lois has been a passionate voice on lung cancer prevention in particular, sponsoring and co-sponsoring many bills on health care and cancer, and serving on various health and cancer-related committees and caucuses. She has become a nationally recognized leader on a variety of topics, including Medicare reform, the nursing shortage, cancer, stroke and heart disease and domestic violence.
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About the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program
The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program is dedicated to reducing cancer mortality though a bipartisan outreach effort by family members of the U.S. Senate, House, Cabinet and Supreme Court. Formed in 1991 as a partnership between the Congressional Club and the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the program enables Congressional spouses to educate themselves and their constituents about cancer prevention and early detection. The focus is awareness not advocacy.
About The Prevent Cancer Foundation
Founded in 1985, Prevent Cancer Foundation is one of the nation’s leading health organizations that has catapulted cancer prevention to prominence. Since its inception, the Foundation has provided more than $120 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education and community outreach programs across the country.
For more information, please visit www.preventcancer.org.