In this issue
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Breast cancer survivors find hope in each other at Hope Lodge

Skating to make strides against breast cancer

Michigan Cancer Consortium: Spirit of Collaboration Award

Central Indiana Service Center enrolls CPS-3 volunteers in November

Patty Avery: State Lead Ambassador of the Year
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Great American Smokeout Quiz

We have a winner! VOICES photo contest

VOICES in the kitchen

Patty Avery recognized nationally
as State Lead Ambassador of the Year
The Great Lakes Division’s own Patty Avery, Indiana Lead Ambassador, was recognized nationally for her volunteer efforts with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). She was named the State Lead Ambassador of the Year during ACS CAN’s Leadership Summit and Lobby Day in Washington, D.C. this September.

Patty is a long-time American Cancer Society and ACS CAN volunteer on the local, state, and national levels, participating locally in Relay For Life events and advocating for access to quality, affordable health care, increased funding for cancer-related programs and services, and urging lawmakers to act now, not later, on health care reform.

"I had lost both of my maternal grandparents to cancer and I had grown up in their home. I was very, very close to them," Patty said. "I fell in love with Relay for Life because it gave me a way to fight back." She came to the American Cancer Society through Relay For Life but quickly became an active ACS CAN volunteer.

In her role as State Lead Ambassador, Patty works in conjunction with Division staff to manage the work of 24 Ambassador Constituent Teams (ACT!) throughout the Great Lakes Division. The ACT! members are advocacy leadership volunteers in each Congressional District in the Division. Patty ensures the teams meet with state and federal lawmakers, recruit members, raise funds for ACS CAN and mobilize on key legislative issues, such as smokefree air and health care reform.

“It’s so uniquely American to believe that if we do what we’re capable of, we can change the future,” Patty said.

“Patty Avery is the epitome of a State Lead Ambassador, going above and beyond her role as a volunteer to be an engaged, effective advocate for the American Cancer Society and ACS CAN,” said Jennifer Hunt, director of grassroots advocacy for the American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division. “She was selected from a pool of extremely dedicated, talented, and effective nominees because of her outstanding success and commitment to the fight against cancer on all fronts.”

To be nominated for the State Lead Ambassador of the Year award, nominees must meet certain criteria such as elevating the advocacy profile, excelling in fundraising efforts, and communicating and leading coalitions on public policy agenda.

“It is because of people like Patty Avery that the United States Congress will act now, not later, on health care reform,” said Jennifer. “We are truly fortunate that Patty Avery is a member of our volunteer leadership team and because of her passion and commitment, there is no telling the number of lives that will be saved, and the difference that will be made for people touched by cancer."

Pictured: Patty Avery