Honorees Recognized at National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship Gala

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) recognized Rep. Lois Capps and 19 other individuals and groups that have made extraordinary contributions to cancer survivorship with “Ray of Hope” awards. 

           "I was honored to be recognized by NCCS this year,” said Capps. “I see this disease from both a professional and personal standpoint and I really admire the role that the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship has played and continues to play in advocating for quality cancer.”

NCCS’s Rays of Hope award was also given to Katie Couric, Sam Donaldson, Dr. John Durant, Dr. Harold Freeman, Scott Hamilton, former Sen. Connie Mack III, Pearl Moore, Dr. Fitzhugh Mullan, Queen Noor of Jordan, Dr. Antonia Novello, Rep. Deborah Pryce, Cokie Roberts, Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV, Dr. Julia Rowland, Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, Lilly Tartikoff and Jessica Turri.  Groups recognized were the Institute of Medicine and the Cancer Survival Toolbox^® Team.

Awardees were honored at NCCS’s 20^th anniversary benefit gala, held at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC.  The ceremony took place in a room filled with 4,000 roses to symbolize the number of people diagnosed with cancer each day.

Dan Abrams, host of MSNBC’s “Abrams Report” and NBC News chief legal correspondent, served as the master of ceremonies.  President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush were honorary co-chairs for the event.  More than 500 guests attended to show their support for NCCS and cancer survivorship.

 “It was our distinct pleasure to honor these 20 amazing individuals and organizations, and we are humbled by the time, thought, and energy they have contributed to cancer survivorship and our organization,” said Ellen Stovall, 34-year cancer survivor and NCCS President and CEO.

A video was also presented that included interviews with each of the Rays of Hope recipients and recapped the accomplishments of NCCS during its twenty-year history. To watch this video, visit www.canceradvocacy.org.

The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) is the oldest survivor-led advocacy organization in the country and a highly respected authentic voice at the federal level, advocating for quality cancer care for all Americans and empowering cancer survivors. For more information about NCCS and its advocacy for quality cancer care, please visit www.canceradvocacy.org or call 1.888.650.9127.

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.