October 21, 2005

American Association of Cancer Institutes Honors
Pryce with Public Service Award

Congresswoman Honored for her Commitment to Advancing Cancer Research

WASHINGTON , DC – This week, Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-Upper Arlington) was presented the 2005 American Association of Cancer Institutes (AACI) Public Service Award by the AACI at its annual meeting.

AACI is comprised of 83 of the leading cancer research centers in the United States, including The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. AACI's membership roster includes National Cancer Institute-designated centers and academic-based cancer research programs that receive NCI support, most of which were represented at the annual meeting.

“As honored as I am by this award, I am equally humbled to be included in such a wonderful group of world-renown leaders committed to ending the scourge of cancer,” said Pryce at the event.  “My aim as a legislator is to ensure that federal policy fully utilizes the unbelievable work that you have to done to save millions of lives and prevent the suffering of the families who now live with the reality of cancer.”

The AACI Public Service Award was bestowed upon Pryce for her commitment to advancing cancer research and her support for programs that ease the burden of cancer on patients, caregivers and communities.  Congresswoman Pryce is co-chair of the House Cancer Caucus, and spearheaded efforts to help individuals in underserved areas navigate the health care system.  She was a key player in the drafting of the Medicare prescription drug benefit and secured expedited coverage of oral anti-cancer drugs to ensure that seniors fighting cancer have access to cutting-edge, breakthrough cancer medications.  Pryce is known nationally as a leading advocate for accelerating research on pediatric cancer.

The AACI is dedicated to promoting the nation's leading research institutions' efforts to eradicate cancer through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary program of research, treatment, patient care, prevention, education and community outreach.

Other recipients of this year’s Public Service Award include Leland H. Hartwell, Ph.D., Nobel laureate and president and director of Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; and Senator Dianne Feinstein of California.