Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program®
FALL/ WINTER 2023
ACTIONS
WWW.CONGRESSIONALFAMILIES.ORG
2023 AWARDS SHOWCASE BIPARTISANSHIP IN CANCER PREVENTION AND EARLY DETECTION “Cancer doesn’t discriminate along the lines of race, ethnicity, gender, social class, income, wealth, you name it…we’re all on the same side, trying to get everyone through it.” Those were the words of Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, one of four honorees at the 30th Annual Action for Cancer Awareness Awards luncheon held on September 14 at the Library of Congress. This year’s event honored “TODAY’s” beloved Al Roker for Distinguished Service in Journalism; accomplished congressional spouses Patricia Garamendi (married to Rep. John Garamendi of California) and Martha McKenzie Hill (married to Rep. French Hill of Arkansas) for Congressional Families Leadership; Rep. Raskin was honored with a Special Recognition Award with a bipartisan presentation by former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, who also publicly battled cancer shortly after his election in 2015. Fox News Chief National Correspondent and Prevent Cancer Foundation® board member Jennifer Griffin served as the master of ceremonies. A survivor of triple negative breast cancer, Jennifer was honored at the annual luncheon in 2012 for Distinguished Service in Journalism.
1st row (L to R): Patricia Garamendi (Calif.), Al Roker, Martha Hill (Ark.) 2nd row (L to R): Jody Hoyos, Prevent Cancer Foundation President/CEO and Lisa McGovern, Congressional Families Program Executive Director
The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program’s signature event brings together Members of Congress, as well as congressional and Cabinet spouses, to recognize the contributions of those using their platforms to educate the public about cancer prevention and early detection. This year’s theme was “Early Detection = Better Outcomes,” in recognition of the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s rallying cry on the importance of routine cancer screenings to detect cancer early. Rep. Troy Carter of Louisiana and congressional spouses Gayle Wicker (married to Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi) and Dr. Janine Bera, (married to Rep. Ami Bera of California) joined Governor Hogan in presenting awards to the honorees. In addition to remarks from the honorees, Program Executive Director Lisa McGovern and Prevent Cancer Foundation CEO Jody Hoyos gave remarks. Rep. Raskin, who has battled both stage III colon cancer and more recently a rare form of lymphoma, spoke with his characteristic humor and grace about his cancer journey and the importance of every member of his care team, including nurses, doctors and pharmacists. (continued on page 3)
L to R: Rep. Jamie Raskin (Md.), former Governor Larry Hogan
INSIDE
CONGRESSIONAL FAMILIES ON THE ROAD: CONQUERING CERVICAL CANCER IN KENYA 4 BREAST DENSITY AND CANCER 4 PROMOTING PREVENTION AT THE YMCA 5
BUILDING BRIDGES TO OUR COMMUNITIES AND TO EACH OTHER Dear congressional families and friends, It’s been a busy year for the Congressional Families Program, and – thanks to you – a very impactful one! Together, we have inspired action and have reached people in communities across America and beyond with lifesaving information about cancer prevention and early detection. We are a model of bipartisanship at a time when the country is desperately seeking it, and that is one of the things we should all be most proud of. One of our goals as a program of the Prevent Cancer Foundation is to amplify the efforts of the organization. For more than 35 years, the Foundation has done incredible work to empower people to stay ahead of cancer, and this year was no exception. Sadly, there is not a family in our nation that hasn’t been touched by cancer. As Congressional Families members – and as a congressional community – we have a unique platform to utilize the resources of the Foundation to reduce the number of cancer cases and deaths. The theme of this year’s Annual Action for Cancer Awareness Awards luncheon in September centered around the Foundation’s “Early Detection = Better Outcomes” campaign, which was launched earlier this year as a rallying cry for Americans to schedule their routine cancer screening appointments. Many people don’t know what screenings they need and at what age, and together we are changing that! In October, I traveled with colleagues from the Foundation to launch a collaborative initiative with 10 YMCAs in New York’s Capital District to bring the “Better Outcomes” campaign resources to their members. The Y is highly respected nationally for its wide range of healthy living programs; resources to advance cancer prevention and early detection is a natural extension of that work. Let us know if you’d like to explore a collaboration with a YMCA near you! Working beyond our geographic borders, in August I had the privilege to travel to Nairobi, Kenya, as part of the Aspen Institute Congressional Program. They generously allowed me to introduce members of the congressional delegation to one of the Foundation’s global grantees, KILELE Health and its dynamic executive director, along with the head of Kenya’s cancer control program and a fierce group of cancer survivors who are conquering cervical cancer – and mountains. For those of you who are already part of this bipartisan congressional community, thank you! You are part of an initiative that connects Senators, Members and spouses to each other through this work – and connects the vital resources of the Prevent Cancer Foundation to your communities. For those of you who are interested in participating, join us! We hope this newsletter will leave you feeling inspirated to take action. Send us an email or give us a call to learn more. Together, we are making a difference and serving our country. With gratitude, Lisa McGovern, Executive Director
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HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2024! SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 Congressional Families Action for Cancer Awareness Awards Luncheon Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
SEPTEMBER 2024 Prevent Cancer Foundation® Annual Gala National Building Museum, Washington, D.C.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
30TH ANNUAL ACTION FOR CANCER AWARENESS AWARDS LUNCHEON
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A group of Members and spouses gather during the reception
Rep. Troy Carter (La.) (Left) and Al Roker
Al Roker shared about the importance of early detection in his diagnosis and that of his mother. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer following a doctor’s appointment during the pandemic that revealed elevated Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels. Like many Americans, he had delayed his appointment. He also touched on the increased risk of prostate cancer for Black Americans, who are 50% more likely to be diagnosed than white men in the U.S. Patti Garamendi, who has had a career centered around public service, praised the Congressional Families Program for providing communications tools to give back to the community through education and outreach. As the current president of the Congressional Club that co-founded the Program in 1991, she routinely prioritizes cancer prevention and early detection information and service opportunities to its membership. L to R: Jody Hoyos, Emcee Jennifer Griffin, Gayle Wicker (Miss.), Patti Garamendi (Calif.), Lisa McGovern, Martha Hill, Prevent Cancer Foundation Founder Carolyn “Bo” Aldigé and Dr. Janine Bera (Calif.)
Martha Hill shared about her work with the University of Arkansas Medical Center to achieve status as a National Cancer Institute-designated center. This designation would increase screening and preventive care access for Arkansans, particularly those in rural areas, who currently must travel out of state for this comprehensive cancer care. Martha is a fierce and skilled advocate who devotes her considerable talents to creating a healthier Arkansas for all its citizens. Nearly 30 Members of Congress joined a room packed with congressional and Cabinet spouses attending the invitationonly event. To watch highlights from the event, visit the Prevent Cancer Foundation YouTube channel.
L to R: Minority Whip Katherine Clark (Mass,), Lisa McGovern, Al Roker and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (Calif.)
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CONQUERING CANCER AND MOUNTAINS IN KENYA: VISITING THE INSPIRING WOMEN OF KILELE HEALTH By Lisa McGovern, Executive Director, Congressional Families Program Climbing mountains is not for the faint of heart and the survivors who participate in these ascents have often never done it before. Their courage is not just personally transformational; it helps to destigmatize cervical cancer and impacts countless lives. In the words of mountaineer Conrad Anker, “The summit is what drives us, but the climb itself is what matters.” KILELE is playing a meaningful role in shaping the future of health care in Kenya. With increasing awareness campaigns, improving access to HPV vaccinations and enhancing screening programs, the nation is making significant progress towards combating this disease. By empowering women with the knowledge about routine screenings and the benefits of early detection, KILELE is creating a path toward a future where cervical cancer becomes a preventable tragedy rather than a too frequent reality.
Lisa McGovern (left) with Benda Kithaka, KILELE Executive Director
Not long ago, a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer would have been merely a dream but it became a reality in 2006. There has been a national roll-out of HPV vaccines since 2019 in Kenya, but it has been disrupted by misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. As a member of the Prevent Cancer Foundation team, it was an honor and a pleasure to visit Kenya and see firsthand the work of KILELE Health to combat those obstacles and see the impact of our global grant to reduce cervical cancer.
“I’m afraid of getting screened for cancer because what if I have it?” That’s the reason some people give for not following cancer screening guidelines. In August, I had the great privilege of traveling to Nairobi, Kenya, and meeting the inspirational women of KILELE Health who are challenging that thinking with respect to cervical cancer in a creative way: summiting some of Africa’s most challenging mountains, including Mount Kenya, to prove that cancer does not have to be a death sentence. When detected early, you can not only survive – you can thrive!
WHAT ROLE DOES BREAST DENSITY PLAY IN CANCER RISK?
KILELE’s work (“Kilele” is the Swahili word for “peak” or “summit”) climbs beyond simply inspiring and educating women and girls about cervical cancer. With the support of a global grant from the Prevent Cancer Foundation, KILELE is working to reach 40,000 Kenyans in Mbeere, a rural, resource-poor, hard to reach part of Embu, Kenya. The program engages with the community and provides human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations, cervical cancer screenings and treatments. These efforts also address myths and misconceptions hindering women’s access to lifesaving, preventive health care. Cervical cancer is the leading cause of deaths in Kenya, with more than 3,200 dying annually. This high mortality rate leads many women to avoid screenings for fear of death, leading to later diagnosis and poor outcomes.
HERE’S WHAT CONGRESSIONAL SPOUSE AND ONCOLOGIST DR. DEBRA MILLER WANTS YOU TO KNOW. Breast density. You may have heard about it on the news or saw the words on your recent mammogram report. But do you know what it is and why it’s important? Since greater breast tissue density has been linked with a higher risk for breast cancer, understanding your breast density can help you and your provider develop a personalized plan to achieve better outcomes. Dr. Debra Miller, an oncologist married to Rep. Rick McCormick of Georgia, breaks it down for us in the latest “Congressional Families: Voices for Cancer Prevention” video. (You can also read more about breast density at www.preventcancer.org/2023/10/what-your-breast-densitymeans/.)
During my trip, I met with KILELE’s executive director, Benda Kithaka, a powerhouse health advocate with a welcoming smile and infectious energy. We were joined by Mary Nyangasi, Head of the National Cancer Control Program, who enthusiastically reported that she discovered Prevent Cancer Foundation’s screening quiz and shared it widely throughout Kenya. I also met cancer survivors Jane Kabaki, Kui Karur and Pamela Savai, who affirmed that, “Cancer does not define me.”
We thank Debra for lending her expertise and her voice to our Program! Are you interested in recording a video for our series? You don’t have to be a medical doctor to make a difference! The only requirement is a desire to utilize your platform to educate and inspire others. We can help script you to raise awareness on a specific type of cancer that has impacted you, someone you care about or your community. Contact us today!
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L to R: Lisa Wolcott, Executive Director, Guilderland YMCA; Cassie Smith, Senior Manager, Congressional Families Program and Campaigns, Prevent Cancer Foundation; Debbie Sweet, patient advocate; Heather Mackey, Senior Director, Cancer Prevention and Early Detection, Prevent Cancer Foundation; Lisa McGovern; Rep. Paul Tonko; Diane Tilton, Senior Director, Education Marketing, Prevent Cancer Foundation; and David Brown, President/CEO, Capital District YMCA
PREVENT CANCER FOUNDATION PILOTS COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVE WITH YMCA For many people, getting screened for cancer can be so fear-inducing that we simply don’t do it. We confronted the tendency toward avoidance at our “Don’t be Scared to Get Screened” event at the YMCA in Guilderland, New York – one of ten YMCAs in the Capital District. Held on October 30—Halloween eve and the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month—the event was part of a collaborative initiative between the Congressional Families Program and our umbrella organization, the Prevent Cancer Foundation, along with the Capital District YMCA to bring “Early Detection = Better Outcomes” cancer screening resources to its members. We hope this will be the first of many collaborations with the YMCA across the U.S. Capital District YMCA President and CEO David Brown welcomed attendees, noting his own personal connection to cancer through his mother’s lung cancer diagnosis has made him passionate about this cause. He added that cancer prevention and early detection fall into the “healthy living bucket” activities that the YMCA supports.
Congressional Families Program Executive Director Lisa McGovern spoke about the valuable role that Senators, Members and congressional spouses can play by highlighting community resources and programs like those at the Y that can help educate the public and inspire action to improve health and thanked Rep. Paul Tonko, who represents New York’s 13th District where the Capital District YMCA is located, for joining the event. She then introduced Debbie Sweet, a breast cancer survivor and YMCA member, who shared her powerful story which begins with her sister. Debbie’s sister was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer after discovering a lump while on a family vacation. The sisters sprang into action—researching the best treatments and doctors. “I was not only her sister, but her ‘battle buddy,’” Debbie said. As her sister was finishing treatment, Debbie noticed a lump in her own breast. Because of her sister’s successful treatment, she was confident despite her diagnosis. She followed in her sister’s footsteps, though Debbie was able to participate in an immunotherapy clinical
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trial. Both sisters are now doing well, and Debbie participates in the LIVESTRONG program for cancer survivors at the YMCA. “Educating and getting the resources out there is so important for early detection and for better outcomes,” said Debbie. Rep. Tonko concluded the speaking program, noting the value of sharing this critical prevention and screening information through community partners like the Y. “Through screening, there can be better treatments and better outcomes,” he noted. The event ended with a tour of the Guilderland YMCA, which showcases the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s cancer screening posters and offers handouts to educate members about cancer screenings they need and at what age. These resources can be found at all 10 Capital District YMCA locations as part of the initiative between the organizations. Do you have a YMCA in your district/state that might be interested in collaborating? Contact us to learn more and explore a possible site visit to highlight cancer prevention and early detection resources!
CONGRESSIONAL FAMILIES MISSION AND HISTORY The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program® is a bipartisan effort, founded in 1991, to increase the public’s understanding of cancer prevention and early detection and inspire action to lead to better outcomes. Families of Senate, House, Cabinet, Supreme Court and the Diplomatic Corps are invited to work within their respective constituencies to educate the public. The Congressional Families Program offers educational events, materials and resources, enabling its members to bring the message of cancer prevention and early detection back to their communities.
333 John Carlyle St, Ste. 635, Alexandria, VA 22314
www.congressionalfamilies.org
Cassie Smith, Editor Lisa McGovern, Assistant Editor Congressional Families Cancer Prevention A Program of the Prevent Cancer Foundation® 333 John Carlyle St, Ste. 635 Alexandria, VA 22314 • tel: 703.837.3697
Congressional Families Cancer Prevention is a program of the
The Prevent Cancer Foundation® is one of the nation’s leading health organizations and the only U.S. nonprofit focused solely on cancer prevention and early detection. Founded in 1985, it has elevated cancer prevention to prominence and fulfills its mission through research, education, outreach and advocacy across the country. Our public education programs have applied this scientific knowledge to inform the public about ways they can reduce their cancer risks. www.preventcancer.org
Do you know of a Member or spouse who might want more information about the Congressional Families Program? Contact Lisa McGovern at lisa.mcgovern@preventcancer.org.
THANK YOU FOR TAKING ACTION The Congressional Families Program offers a variety of communication tools for congressional spouses and members of Congress to use their voices to educate their constituents about cancer prevention and early detection. This includes monthly op-eds, social media posts (“Posting with a Purpose”) and videos (“Congressional Families: Voices for Cancer Prevention”). Each of these highlights vital information related to monthly cancer observances (e.g., Breast Cancer Awareness Month) and other relevant occurrences, such as World Cancer Day. Interested in participating? If you aren’t receiving our email updates, reach out to Lisa at Lisa.McGovern@preventcancer.org. You can also sign up to record a “Voices for Cancer Prevention” video. We can work with you on a video script and walk you through this easy process that can be done right from your phone! To watch the series on YouTube, visit bit.ly/3RVA2vD. Thank you to the following members and spouses who have participated in one or more of these opportunities in recent months:
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Abby Bean (Fla.) Rep. Nikki Budzinski (Ill.) Vera Davis (Ill.) Rep. John Garamendi (Calif.) Patricia Garamendi (Calif.) Barbara Grassley (Iowa) Martha Hill (Ark.) Mikey Hoeven (N.D.)
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Rep. Glenn Ivey (Md.) Wayne Kye, D.D.S., M.S. (N.Y.) Marcia Latta (Ohio) Debra Miller (Ga.) Emily Miller (Ohio) Rep. Greg Murphy (N.C.) Rep. Donald Payne (N.J.) Amanda Soto (Fla.)