Congressional Families Actions - Fall/Winter 2019

Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program®

FALL/ WINTER 2019

ACTIONS

WWW.CONGRESSIONALFAMILIES.ORG

“Prevention at Every Age” at the 27th Annual Action for Cancer Awareness Awards Luncheon As U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg entered the Members Room of the Library of Congress, a bipartisan audience—including members of Congress, congressional spouses and leaders in the cancer community—greeted her with a standing ovation. Cancer knows no political party, and perhaps no time was this more apparent than at the 27th Annual Action for Cancer Awareness Awards Luncheon. The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program® held its signature event on September 26, celebrating Justice Ginsburg, LeeAnn Johnson (spouse of Rep. Bill Johnson, Ohio), Amanda Soto (spouse of Rep. Darren Soto, FL) and Patrick Dempsey, actor, producer and founder of the Dempsey Center. The theme “Prevention at Every Age” highlighted each of their efforts to promote cancer prevention and early detection among Americans of all ages and across all populations. Congressional Families Program® Executive Director Lisa McGovern began the program by acknowledging the recent death of journalist Cokie Roberts from breast cancer complications. Ms. Roberts was honored at the 2013 luncheon for her work to raise awareness and encourage screening. She was very special to this community having grown up in a congressional family herself (both

L to R: Amanda Soto, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Lisa McGovern, Patrick Dempsey, LeeAnn Johnson

parents served in Congress). She will be missed. Prevent Cancer Foundation® Founder and CEO Carolyn “Bo” Aldigé spoke passionately about the Foundation’s mission, followed by warm welcoming remarks from Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Investigation Discovery’s Paula Zahn, who served as master of ceremonies, recognized members of Congress in attendance before beginning the awards portion of the program. More than 40 congressional spouses and over 40 members of Congress attended the event. LeeAnn Johnson and Amanda Soto were each recognized with the Congressional Families Leadership Award for their contributions in their home communities and as members of the Program’s Executive Council.

LeeAnn, a registered dental hygienist, has used her expertise to identify signs of skin cancer in loved ones, encouraging them to get screened. She is active with Memorial Health System in her community and recently planned a hospital tour and cancer screening day in Belpre, Ohio, to educate residents in her home district. Amanda is an active op-ed contributor and participant in the Program’s “Posting with a Purpose” campaign, raising awareness through social media. Inspired by a Program seminar highlighting the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Breast Health Education for Young Women Facilitator’s Guide, Amanda organized two breast cancer awareness events featuring local (continued on page 4)

INSIDE Letter from the Executive Director Youth Vaping Epidemic Ohio Cancer Prevention Day

2 3 5