U.S. Representative Rodney Davis (IL-13) issued the following announcement on Sept. 29.
U.S. Representative Rodney Davis (R-IL) has received the National Distinguished Advocacy Award this week, the most prestigious award presented by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), in recognition of his significant contributions to the fight against cancer and leadership on the successful passage of the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2020.
“Fighting cancer is personal to me,” said Rep. Davis. “When my wife was 26, she was diagnosed with a genetic form of cancer, Lynch syndrome, that could also affect our kids. Cancer testing and treatment saved her life. Nobody should have to experience that terrible disease. That’s why I’ve worked to expand cancer treatment and research throughout my entire time in Congress.
“I’m so proud to receive this award from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. I’ll continue to work with them and my colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle on fighting cancer with investments in research and treatments. I’m confident that together we can beat cancer.”
“Rep. Davis has long been a dedicated champion when it comes to the fight against cancer, repeatedly prioritizing legislation that is critical to our mission to reduce suffering and death from this disease – especially the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “We’re grateful for the leadership and committed he displays when it comes to addressing the burden of cancer for families across the country.”
ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, presents the annual award to select lawmakers who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the area of cancer-related public policy advocacy.
“Rep. Davis has been committed to making the fight against cancer a priority after supporting his wife through her battle with colorectal cancer,” said Shana Crews, ACS CAN government relations director. “To ensure that legislation to help prevent and treat cancer is a top national priority, Rep. Davis teamed up with Rep. Payne, Jr. to create the Congressional Colorectal Cancer Caucus.”
The award was presented on September 28 as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Nearly 700 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones met virtually with their elected officials to urge them to support policies that increase funding for cancer research and prevention programs and address barriers that prevent diverse populations from enrolling in clinical trials.
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