Got lunch plans on September 24? Grab a healthy lunch (If you’re on the west coast, make it breakfast!), pour yourself a Prevention Punch, and join us for the free virtual Congressional Families Action for Cancer Awareness Awards at 12:00 p.m. ET. We are honoring actor, comedian, writer and producer Ken Jeong; news anchor and co-host of “Today” 3rd Hour Craig Melvin; Congressional Families Program® member Terry Loebsack (spouse to Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa); and charitable gaming organization Games Done Quick.
Hosted by Investigation Discovery Channel’s Paula Zahn, the ceremony promises to be inspiring and entertaining. Congressional Families Program Executive Director Lisa McGovern, Prevent Cancer Foundation CEO and Founder Carolyn “Bo” Aldigé, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy will offer remarks. Special guests will join to congratulate this year’s honorees, who have used their respective platforms to educate the public about cancer prevention and early detection.
Ken Jeong, Excellence in Cancer Awareness Award. Before Ken Jeong’s comedy career took off, he was a licensed physician with an undergraduate degree from Duke University and a medical degree from the University of North Carolina. As his career pivoted to comedy, his wife Tran, also a physician, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. She encouraged him to take his infamous role in “The Hangover,” even as she was undergoing treatment. Since then, Ken has used his comedy and visibility to raise awareness about the importance of screening to detect breast cancer early.
Craig Melvin, Distinguished Service in Journalism Award. Following his brother’s colorectal cancer diagnosis, Craig began to use his professional platform to raise awareness about colorectal cancer, encourage family conversations and highlight the importance of screening. His reporting has brought attention to the disturbing trend of younger adults being diagnosed with this disease.
Terry Loebsack, Congressional Families Leadership Award. Terry Loebsack (spouse to Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa) is a longtime member of the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program and its Advisory Committee. Terry, who has been diagnosed with all three types of skin cancer, has shared her experience and educated others about cancer risk reduction to raise awareness and inspire action. She and Rep. Loebsack have regularly participated in cancer prevention events in Washington, D.C., and Iowa, including the Prevent Cancer Foundation and John Stoddard Cancer Center Health Awareness and Cancer Screening Booth at the Iowa State Fair.
Games Done Quick, Special Recognition Award. The Games Done Quick organization hosts annual and stand-alone charity video game marathons. Founded by Mike Uyama in 2010, its winter and summer events have raised more than $25 million for charitable organizations, including the Prevent Cancer Foundation and Doctors Without Borders. Thousands of gamers gather in person to support speedrunners who finish video games as quickly as possible. Hundreds of thousands of followers from around the world watch online and donate in support of the gamers and the charities.
Let’s do lunch! Join us September 24 to honor these inspiring award recipients and recommit ourselves–individually and collectively–to preventing cancer through research, education, outreach and advocacy.
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