Cancer Research Foundation Of America's Congressional Families Action For Cancer Awareness Program Honors Congressman John Porter, Senator Connie Mack, Tamra Bentsen, Jill Biden, Ruth Ann La Mott, Barbara Raehl And Shirley Reudy

Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation
Thursday, 21 September 2000

WASHINGTON, DC - The Cancer Research Foundation of America's Congressional Families Action for Cancer Awareness Program, a bipartisan outreach effort by family members of the Senate, House, Cabinet and the Supreme Court to increase cancer awareness, honored seven special individuals dedicated to the programs mission today at the Cannon Caucus Room on Capitol Hill.

Paula Zahn, FOX News Channel anchor, served as mistress of ceremonies and remarks were given by Dr. Richard Klausner, Director of the National Cancer Institute.

Congressman John Porter (IL - 10) and Senator Connie Mack (R-FL) both received the Lifetime Achievement Award for their significant contributions to cancer legislation and funding for the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute.

Tamra Bentsen, spouse of Congressman Ken Bentsen (TX-25) and Jill Biden, spouse of Senator Joe Biden (DE), were honored with the Spouse Award for their tremendous contributions toward educating constituents about the importance of early detection and prevention of cancer. Ms. Bentsen has worked tirelessly with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's Race for the Cure, as well as numerous other local and national initiatives. Ms. Biden formed the Biden Breast Health Initiative to address the rising breast cancer mortality rates in Delaware and the lack of awareness among young women.

Breast cancer survivors Ruth Ann LaMott and Barbara Raehl received the Advocate Award for their creation of the Navigator Program in Traverse City, Michigan's Munson Medical Center which helps guide patients after a breast cancer diagnosis. The program matches breast cancer patients with companion survivors who are also able to help the women they work with find financial aid, support, information and treatment resources.

Shirley Reudy, a health care columnist with Iowa's Cedar Rapids Gazette and two-time cancer survivor, was recognized with the Media Award for her staunch efforts to spread the message of cancer prevention and education through her writing. Reaching a readership that exceeds 140,000, Reudy's "Cancer Update" column is a source of education and encouragement to her readers.

Congressional Families Action for Cancer Awareness, led by Linda Bachus (AL-6), enables Congressional spouses to educate their constituents, in their respective states and home districts throughout the year, about cancer prevention and early detection. The initiative began in 1991 between the Congressional Club and the Cancer Research Foundation of America.

"What a privilege it is for me, and for the Congressional Families program, to honor these individuals," stated Bachus. "Each has made a tremendous contribution, either through manpower or through funding, to our nation's investment in cancer research and prevention. I'm certain that all of the members of the Congressional Families program join me in applauding their efforts."

The Cancer Research Foundation of America is a national nonprofit health organization whose mission is the prevention of cancer through scientific research and education. Founded in 1985 by Carolyn Aldigé, the organization's commitment to prevention is fueled by the fact that certain cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes, yet more than 550,000 Americans die from the diseases annually. Since its inception, the Foundation has supported research, education and early detection programs in excess of $50 million.

For more information, or to contact Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation, see their website at: www.preventcancer.org