Kathy Ottele presents Dr. Bud Pierce the American Cancer Society’s Distinguished Advocacy award on Thursday, Feb. 20, at an event in Salem. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Policymakers, cancer survivors, and health advocates met recently to learn more about the American Cancer Society’s efforts to fight cancer. “Cheers to Health Equity” was held Thursday, Feb. 20, at Willamette Valley Vineyards.
Congressman Kurt Schrader visited with Salem Mayor Chuck Bennett and local oncologist Dr. Bud Pierce. U.S. Bank’s Victoria Shinn met Michael Cleveland, who just joined Salem Health this year.
Kathy Ottele, leader ambassador for the Oregon unit of the cancer society, kicked off a short program. She survived cancer twice and has volunteered with the society since 1998 and its Cancer Action Network since 2006. She led guests in a toast to Portland Commissioner Nick Fish, who died stomach cancer in January.
Access to cigarettes is a major issue and she expressed concerns about big tobacco targeting youth and vulnerable communities.
Bud Pierce, on the board of the society’s Oregon unit, was honored with action network’s Distinguished Advocacy award for his commitment to fighting cancer statewide and to political activism.
Kay Graven, another society ambassador, talked about how she emulated her father and became addicted to cigarettes. After he died of lung cancer, she quit with the help of a smoking cessation class. She is now 33 years free of cigarettes and helps others to quit.
Josh Franke, Cancer Service line director from Salem Health, emphasized the personal nature of cancer. The hospital now has a robust lung cancer screening program, serving 1,500 a year and provides extensive support for those who have the disease.
State Sen. Denyc Boles, R-Salem, welcomed guests to her district. She emphasized that cancer touches everyone. Her brother survived cancer and she lost her mom to cancer. This experience made her well aware of the importance of legislation that discourages people from engaging in cancer-causing activities, such as smoking.
About CAN: The society’s action network works to make cancer issues a priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.
Michael Cleveland of Salem Health, Victoria Shinn of US Bank and Salem Mayor Chuck Bennett attend the American Cancer Society event held in Salem on Thursday, Feb. 20. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Josh Franke from Salem Health speaks at the American Cancer Society event held in Salem on Thursday, Feb. 20. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Salem Mayor Chuck Bennett, Dr. Bud Pierce, and Congressman Kurt Schrader attend the American Cancer Society event held in Salem on Thursday, Feb. 20. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Mary Louise VanNatta is a Salem public relations professional writing a regular column for Salem Reporter. Tell her about your upcoming event at [email protected] or follow her on Facebook.
