George Weiner, MD, director of the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, received the Advocacy Through Action Award at the American Cancer Society’s  annual Iowa Volunteer and Donor Recognition Celebration.

“From relentlessly pursuing a dollar increase of Iowa’s tobacco tax, to ensuring increased funding for the Iowa Consortium for Comprehensive Cancer Control, to riding across the state during RAGBRAI to spread the message of the importance of cancer research funding, Dr. Weiner’s efforts will have long-lasting and positive impact on the health of our state, its communities, and all its citizens,” said Karla Wysocki, Health Promotions Director, Iowa of the American Cancer Society. The advocacy award recognizes an individual, organization, or coalition for outstanding contributions to Advocacy in the Midwest Division, Iowa Region, during the past year or continuously for several years.

The celebration, honoring the work of its dedicated volunteers in the fight against cancer, reinforces the idea that every volunteer’s contribution brings the American Cancer Society closer to achieving its mission of eliminating cancer.

“Volunteer involvement is crucial to helping the American Cancer Society achieve its goals for the year 2015, which include decreasing cancer mortality rates by 50 percent, reducing cancer incidence rates by 25 percent and improving the quality of life for cancer patients,” said Gretchen Tegeler, American Cancer Society Vice President, Iowa.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States.

For more information:

George Weiner, MD

Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

American Cancer Society