Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program

About The Program

The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program is a bipartisan network of spouses of members of the House, Senate, Administration, Supreme Court and the Diplomatic Community who share an interest in advancing cancer prevention, early detection and education.

The initiative began as a partnership between the Prevent Cancer Foundation, a national organization focused on cancer prevention through scientific research and education and the Congressional Club. The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program has an Executive Council and Advisory Board that include over 200 spouses.

Launched in 1991, the program’s initial efforts focused on the areas of breast and prostate cancer. The success of the program’s first five years led to the expansion of its scope to add more preventable cancers: lung, skin, colorectal, cervical, testicular and oral cancer. The program offers spouses and family members (including Members of Congress) weekly social media posts, monthly op-eds, speeches, videos, talking points and more communication tools to use in their districts and beyond. With these tools, the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention program can take a broader healthy living, cancer prevention and early detection message to communities all across America and around the globe.

For more information about the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program, please contact Lisa McGovern.

Executive Director

Lisa Murray McGovern has served as Executive Director of the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program since 2003. The nonpartisan program’s mission is to use the visibility afforded to Congressional, Administration, Supreme Court and Diplomatic spouses to carry the message of cancer prevention to communities and states throughout the country. Nearly 190 Congressional spouses support the program which is part of the Prevent Cancer Foundation.

Prior to joining Congressional Families, Lisa served in an agency in the Clinton Administration from 1995-2001, working in congressional relations. From 1984 through 1995, Lisa was on staff in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In 1989, Lisa married Jim McGovern of Worcester, Massachusetts. Jim was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1996. The McGoverns have a son, Patrick, and a daughter, Molly.

Executive Council

Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program
Executive Council 2023

Executive Director 

• Lisa McGovern

Executive Council Members*

• Charlie Capito (Republican, W. Va.) 
• The Honorable Debbie Dingell (Democrat, Mich.) 
• Brenda Fleischmann (Republican, Tenn.) 
• Lorena Saenz Gonzalez (Democrat, Texas) 
• Barbara Grassley (Republican, Iowa) 
• Martha Hill (Republican, Arkansas) 
• Mikey Hoeven (Republican, N.D.) 
• Sarah Hospodor-Pallone (Democrat, N.J.) 
• LeeAnn Johnson (Republican, Ohio) 
• Wayne Kye, D.D.S. (Democrat, N.Y.) 
• Marcia Latta (Republican, Ohio) 
• Laina Marshall (Republican, Kan.) 
• Colleen Ochoa Peters (Democrat, Mich.) 
• Monica Ruiz (Democrat, Calif.) 
• Alfredia Scott (Democrat, Ga.) 
• Amanda Soto (Democrat, Fla.) 

Congressional Club Liaison 

• Patti Garamendi (Democrat, Calif.) 

Ex Officio members 

• Barbara Morris-Lent (Republican, N.Y.) 
• The Honorable Marie Royce (Republican, Calif.)
• Betty Ann Tanner (Democrat, Tenn.) 

*Italics indicate Senate spouses 

The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program offers a variety of informational events, resources and materials.  The Program invites its members to work within their respective constituencies to educate the public about the message of healthy living, cancer prevention and early detection.

Share Your Ideas

Some of our best ideas come from you! If you have an idea or an event you would like to share please contact Lisa McGovern. 

Opportunities Offered

We offer congressional spouses and family members communications opportunities that make reaching communities easy and engaging including:

• Video opportunities through our “Congressional Families: Voices for Cancer Prevention” video series
• Ready-to-use weekly social media posts and graphics through our “Posting with a Purpose” initiative
• Op-eds corresponding to cancer awareness months
• Talking points, video scripts and speeches
• Educational resources for events and materials to share

Additional opportunities to increase awareness of cancer prevention and early detection include:

• Appear in public service announcements (taped and distributed to local television and radio stations by the National Association of Broadcasters, a program underwriter)
• Organize or participate in local health fairs, screening days or awareness events
• Highlight local cancer prevention and early detection organizations and resources through site visits and tours with Congressional Families Executive Director
• Participate in educational webinars and webcasts
• Speak to civic and other community groups
• Write articles for local newspapers and publications
• Attend the signature Annual Awards Luncheon held each fall on Capitol Hill

Congressional Members and spouses – located in every state across the country – are powerful voices to spread the message of cancer prevention and early detection. This series invites Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program members to share timely and vital information with Americans to help us further our mission of saving lives across all populations.

The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program presents “Real Spouses of Capitol Hill (RSOCH).” Hear from active congressional spouses about the value and ease of using the Program’s tools in your district/state to support people on their path to optimal health. It’s a great way to connect with constituents—and other congressional spouses. Cancer touches us all—it will take all of us to beat it.

Featuring:

LeeAnn Johnson, spouse to Rep. Bill Johnson (Ohio)
Mikey Hoeven, spouse to Sen. John Hoeven (ND)
Colleen Ochoa Peters, spouse to Sen. Gary Peters (MI)
Amanda Soto, spouse to Rep. Darren Soto (FL)

2023 Spring Reception to Advance Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

First Lady Jill Biden joined the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Congressional Families Program to recognize bipartisan efforts to advance cancer prevention and early detection at a Capitol Hill reception on April 19, 2023. Representative Doris Matsui honored with inaugural Carolyn “Bo” Aldigé Visionary Award at Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program reception.

First Lady Jill Biden delivers remarks at the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program at the Library of Congress, Wednesday, April 19, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Cameron Smith)

Rep. Doris Matsui (Calif.) accepts the inaugural Carolyn “Bo” Aldigé Visionary Award from Rep. Debbie Dingell as Bo Aldigé looks on.

Each fall, Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program hosts its annual Action for Cancer Awareness Awards. Since 1993, the awards luncheon recognizes the activities of Congressional spouses, Members of Congress, the press and community advocates for their outstanding work to educate the public about cancer prevention and early detection and their work to improve access to cancer-related prevention and treatment services.

This signature event brings together Members of Congress; Congressional, Supreme Court and Diplomatic spouses; members of the scientific and medical community; and business and industry representatives in the cancer advocacy community to celebrate advancement in cancer prevention and early detection, highlighting the work of those making a difference.

Awards are presented in the following categories:

Congressional Families Leadership Award
This award honors a spouse or Congressional family member who makes a noted contribution in the field of cancer awareness. The nominee’s work should illustrate the use of his/her/their platform to engage attention to the education of the public about a cancer and the importance of early detection and prevention, mortality and incidence.

Distinguished Service in Journalism
The media is a powerful tool in the education of the public about cancer. This award honors a renowned journalist (print, television, radio, internet) who has made a significant and responsible contribution though his/her work to educate the need for cancer prevention, advances in cancer research and through recognition of current affairs in the realm of the cancer community and the public at large (e.g., mapping of the genome, mammography standards, promising discoveries at the bench).

Excellence in Cancer Awareness
We are fortunate in our country to have many great corporate leaders, athletes and other high profile citizens who are dedicated public servants.  This nominee should reflect a commitment to cancer prevention and early detection through a special campaign or event, influencing public policy, improving access to screening and treatment and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.

Previous Award Recipients

2022

Abby Blunt, spouse of Sen. Roy Blunt (Missouri)
Hoda Kotb, co-anchor of “TODAY” and co-host of “TODAY” with Hoda & Jenna
Chris Evert, tennis champion

2020

Terry Loebsack, spouse to Rep. Dave Loebsack (Iowa)
Craig Melvin, news anchor for “Today”, co-host of “Today” 3rd hour and anchor on MSNBC Live
Ken Jeong, actor/producer/writer/comedian
Games Done Quick, charity video game marathon organization

2019

LeeAnn Johnson, spouse of Rep. Bill Johnson (Ohio) 
Amanda Soto, spouse of Rep. Darren Soto (Fla.) 
Patrick Dempsey, actor/producer and founder of the Dempsey Center 
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

2018

Helen Green, spouse of Rep. Gene Green (Texas)
Kasey Crowley, spouse of Rep. Joe Crowley (N.Y.)
Norah O’Donnell, “CBS This Morning”
Phil Kessel, NHL Hockey Player for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Watch highlights from the 2018 luncheon as featured on the Pittsburgh Penguins “In the Room” (Begins at 17:25)

2017

Sarah Hospodor-Pallone, spouse of Rep. Frank Pallone (N.J.)
Marie Royce, spouse of Rep. Edward Royce (Calif.)
Laurie McGinley, health/medical reporter for The Washington Post
Sun Bum^® and Protect The Groms^®

2016

Patricia Mica, spouse of former Rep. John Mica (Fla.)
Summer Sanders, Olympic champion and television host
Amy Robach, news anchor, ABC’s “Good Morning America”

2016 Luncheon highlights video:

2015

Franki Roberts, spouse of Rep. Pat Roberts (Kan.)
Sharon Percy Rockefeller, President and Chief Executive Officer, WETA
Siddhartha Mukherjee, M.D, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Columbia University
Sandra Lee, Chef, author and television personality

2014

Linda Bachus, spouse of Rep. Spencer Bachus (Ala.)
Dr. Nancy Snyderman, NBC News Chief Medical Editor
CVS Health, accepted by Dr. Andrew Sussman President, MinuteClinic and SVP/Associate Chief Medical Officer, CVS Health

2013

Landra Reid, spouse of Sen. Harry Reid (Nev.)
Andrea Mitchel, NBC News and Host, MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell Reports
Shannon Miller, Olympian
Healthy Base Initiative, Department of Defense (Special Recognition)

2013 Luncheon highlights videos:

Lisa McGovern – Introduction to the 2013 Awards Luncheon

Carolyn Aldigé – Introduction to the Prevent Cancer Foundation

Jennifer Griffin – Her Story and Awards Introduction

Landra Reid – Congressional Families Leadership Award

Andrea Mitchell – Distinguished Service in Journalism Award

Shannon Miller – Excellence in Cancer Awareness

Healthy Base Initiative – Special Recognition

2012

Marcelle Leahy, spouse of Sen. Patrick Leahy (Vt.)
Barbara Morris-Lent, spouse of the late Rep. Norman Lent (N.Y.)
Jennifer Griffin, national security correspondent, (FOX News Channel)
Dara Torres, Olympian
Ellen Noghès, spouse, H.E. the former Ambassador of Monaco (Special Recognition)

2011

Freda Manzullo, spouse of Rep. Don Manzullo (Ill.)
Erin Andrews, ESPN Game Day
Steve Andrews, seven-time Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist
Former Congressman Mike Castle, Del., Special Recognition
Congresswoman Lois Capps (Calif.)

2010

Liz’s Legacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Eppley Cancer Center
Sam Champion, weather anchor, “Good Morning America” (ABC)
Chef José Andrés, winner of the James Beard Outstanding Chef Award in 2011

2009

Betty Ann Tanner, spouse of former Congressman John Tanner (Tenn.)
Kelly Corrigan, author and journalist
Scott Hamilton, Olympian

2008

Suzie Dicks, spouse of former Congressman Norm Dicks (Wash.)
Diana Enzi, spouse of Senator Mike Enzi (Wyo.)
Robin Roberts, co-anchor, “Good Morning America” (ABC)
Former Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (Ohio)

2007

Barbara Grassley, spouse of Senator Charles Grassley (Iowa)
Barbara Johnson, spouse of Senator Tim Johnson (S.D.)
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Chief Medical Correspondent (CNN)
Phil Gordon and Rafe Furst, Founders, Bad Beat on Cancer

2006

Elizabeth Edwards, spouse of former Senator John Edwards (N.C.)
Joel Siegel, film critic, “Good Morning America” (ABC)
Wendy Chioji, news anchor, WESH, Orlando (Fla.)
Dr. Arvin S. Glicksman, Rhode Island Cancer Council

2005

Cecile Tauzin, spouse of former Congressman Billy Tauzin (La.)
Deirdre Imus, author and environmentalist
Karyn Green, news anchor, WXIA 11, Atlanta (Ga.)
Lance Armstrong and Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope (Special Recognition)

2004

Linda Dooley, spouse of former Congressman Cal Dooley (Calif.)
The Weather Channel
Mayor Thomas Menino, Boston (Mass.)
Former Congresswoman Sue Myrick (N.C.)

2003

Priscilla Dewey Houghton, spouse of former Congressman Amo Houghton (N.Y.)
Cokie Roberts, news anchor (ABC)
The SHADE Foundation – Curt and Shonda Schilling Melanoma Foundation of America and The SunWise School Program of the United States Environmental Protection Agency

2002

Barbara Bush, former First Lady
Ann Curry, co-anchor, “Today Show” (NBC)
Susan Love, MD, author and advocate

2001

Barbara Everett, spouse of former Congressman Terry Everett (Ala.)
Melissa Thomas, director, Breast, Education, Screening and Treatment (BEST) program (Ohio)
Leslie Mouton, news anchor, KSAT-TV, San Antonio (Texas)

2000

Tamra Bentsen, spouse of former Congressman Ken Bentsen (Texas)
Jill Biden, spouse of Vice President Joseph Biden
Ruth Ann LaMott and Barbara Raehl, Navigator Program, Munson Medical Center (Mich.)
Shirley Ruedy, health columnist, Cedar Rapids Gazette (Iowa)
Former Senator Connie Mack (Fla.) (Lifetime Achievement Award)
Former Congressman John Porter (Ill.) (Lifetime Achievement Award)

1999

Debbie Dingell, spouse of Congressman John Dingell (Mich.)
Katie Couric, co-anchor, “Today Show” (NBC)
Dick Hirsh, MD, founder, Radiology Mammography International

1998

Sam Donaldson, news anchor (ABC)
Mary Jane Fate, advocate, state of Alaska
Nancy Murkowski, spouse of Senator Frank Murkowski (Ala.)
Sue Ann Thompson, Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation/spouse of Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson

1997

Former Senator Connie Mack and Mrs. Pricilla Mack (Fla.)
Andrea Roane, news anchor and reporter, WUSA 9 News; and the Women of Channel 9

1996

General H. Norman Schwarzkopf
John Mack Carter, journalist
Dolores Beilenson, spouse of former Congressman Anthony Beilenson (Calif.)

1995

Susan Ford Bales, daughter of President Gerald Ford and First Lady Betty Ford
Dr. Elmer Huerta, director, Cancer Preventorium, Washington Cancer Institute
Jane Seymour, actress and advocate
Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Supreme Court Justice

1994

Paula Zahn, co-anchor, “CBS This Morning”
Harry Smith, co-anchor, “CBS This Morning”

1993

Phyllis Newman, actress and advocate
Former Senator Bob Dole (Kan.)
Congresswoman Doris Matsui, founder of Congressional Families Action for Cancer Awareness program, spouse of Congressman Bob Matsui (Calif.)

Educational Seminars and Webinars

Congressional Families regularly hosts seminars and webinars, bringing together members, health professionals and medical experts; creating dialogue and equipping members with tools to bring the message of cancer prevention and detection back to their communities.

Upcoming Educational Events

Please check back later.

Past Events

Going beyond the pink: Congressional Families hosts breast cancer disparities webinar, October 20, 2021
More than 100 congressional spouses and members of the Hill community gathered for a Congressional Families Program webinar on “Understanding Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines and Overcoming Disparities.”
Read more.

Stay Skin Healthy: Skin Care Advice from a Leading Dermatologist, July 22, 2021
The Congressional Families Program co-hosted a webinar with the Congressional Club—“Stay Skin Healthy: Ask the Expert”—featuring board-certified dermatologist Dr. Patricia Lucey.
Read more.

“Too Young for This Sh*t: The Rise of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer” Webcast, April 22, 2019
On April 22, Congressional Families hosted a live webcast at the National Association of Broadcasters to address the issue of rising rates of colorectal cancer in adults under 50. Read more and watch the webcast.

“What your zip code says about your health,” April 19, 2018
On April 19, the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program hosted a webcast at the National Association of Broadcasters to discuss how where you live affects your health, with a focus on cancer and cancer prevention. Read more about this discussion and watch the webcast.

“How to reach out in YOUR district or state seminar,” October 4, 2017
On October 4, 2017, Congressional spouses gathered to share how to effectively use the tools and materials Congressional Families provides back in their districts. Read more.

Breast Health Education for Young Women seminar, June 13, 2017
Congressional spouses gathered on May 24 to learn how to engage with young women in their home districts on breast health education with the help of the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Breast Health Education for Young Women: Facilitator’s Guide. Read more about this seminar.

Harnessing the power of social media, March 29, 2017
On March 29, Tammy Gordon, founder of Verified Strategy, a digital strategy and marketing firm, led a seminar on Harnessing the Power of Social Media for congressional spouses. Read more.

Cancer Prevention Leaders Honored at the 24th Annual Congressional Families Awards Luncheon, September 29, 2016
The Program’s signature event recognizes leaders in cancer prevention, bringing together a bipartisan group of supporters
Read more.

Mindfulness, Meditation and Disease Prevention, June 15, 2016
A discussion at the U.S. Capitol about the role meditation and mindfulness play in disease prevention, stress reduction and healthy living
Read more.

Hazards and Allure of Indoor Tanning Beds Briefing, May 20, 2015

A panel discussion about the dangers of indoor tanning beds and their accessibility to college students. Read more.

Lifestyle Matters Seminar, March 25, 2015
Dr. Nelson role delves into how lifestyle factors, such as a healthy diet, exercise, social support, and the environment play in reducing one’s risk for cancer. Read more.

2014 Annual Action for Cancer Awareness Awards Luncheon, September 18, 2014
At the 22nd annual awards luncheon cancer advocates were honored for their leadership in prevention. Read more.

2013 Annual Action for Cancer Awareness Awards Luncheon, November 19, 2013
The 21st annual signature event for the Congressional Families Program honored advocates for highlighting cancer prevention. Read more.

Women’s Cancers: New Science, New Activism, September 19, 2013
Actress, actor, and activist Fran Drescher joins with scientists to explore impacts of environmental risks on women’s cancers. Read more and watch event video.

Hive on the Hill: Queen Bee Trunk Show, August 1, 2013
The Queen Bee trunk show offered a one day sale on all Queen Bee creations, generously donating a portion of the proceeds to the Prevent Cancer Foundation. Read more.

Healthy Strategies for Children and Families
June 18, 2013 – Webcast
(Thank you to the National Association of Broadcasters for making this webcast possible).

Your Family Medical History: Why and What You Should Know
May 1, 2013 – Webcast
(Thank you to the National Association of Broadcasters for making this webcast possible).

Healthy Base Initiative Briefing, March 12, 2013
Representatives from the Department of Defense came to Capitol Hill to brief congressional spouses on the Healthy Base Initiative, a program the military is piloting to implement healthy habits among personnel. Read more.

Congressional Families helps congressional spouses organize, attend, highlight or connect with cancer-related events and organizations in their home districts. If you are interested in working with us on an activity in your district, email Lisa at lisa.mcgovern@preventcancer.org.

Past Events

Congressional Families visits Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation 
August 24, 2022 

Congressional Families Program Executive Director Lisa McGovern, Program co-founder Rep. Doris Matsui (Calif.), and Rep. Jim McGovern (Mass.) visited Albie Aware Breast Cancer foundation, in Sacramento, California, which is supported by a 2022 Prevent Cancer Foundation community grant. With the Foundation’s funding, Albie Aware will bring mobile mammograms to at least 90 members of their local LGBTQ+ community and will hold a virtual event for breast cancer awareness. 

Congressional spouses highlight community work in Maine
August 4, 2022 

Lisa McGovern, along with Mary Herman, spouse of Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), and Isobel Golden, spouse of Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), visited Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, a 2021 Prevent Cancer Foundation community grantee, to call attention to the vital resources available to their Maine constituents that could increase cancer screening rates. In a partnership with the Bangor YMCA, EMMC provides free mammograms for anyone who meets age and annual income guidelines through the Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program (MBCHP). 

Executive Council member LeeAnn Johnson hosts Cancer Prevention Day
November 2, 2019

Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program^® Executive Council member LeeAnn Johnson (spouse of Rep. Bill Johnson, Ohio), in collaboration with Memorial Health System and the Congressional Families Program^®, hosted a Cancer Prevention, Early Detection & Wellness Day in Marietta, Ohio. The public event featured a Q&A discussion with medical experts and Congressional Families Executive Director Lisa McGovern, cancer screenings, wellness demonstrations and walk-through inflatable organs.

Bipartisan spouses visit McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital
November 9, 2018

Congressional Families Executive Director Lisa McGovern, Colleen Ochoa Peters (spouse of Sen. Gary Peters, D-MI), Cindy Bergman (spouse of Rep. Jack Bergman, R-MI), along with Ellen Noghès (spouse of former Ambassador of Monaco to the U.S. Gilles Noghès) visited McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital, which is supported by a Prevent Cancer Foundation community grant.

Op-ed Resources

Publish an Op-ed in Your Community

Many spouses promote cancer awareness in their communities by publishing an op-ed in their local state papers. An op-ed is a piece published under your name in your local paper; this is an effective way to educate your community.

Congressional Families offers monthly op-ed templates on coordinating national cancer awareness months. If you would like to publish an op-ed in your local paper please email or call Lisa McGovern or Cassie Smith (703) 837-3697 for a copy of this month’s template.

See an example of an op-ed published by spouse Barbara Grassley in her state newspaper.

Connect on Social Media

Congressional Families sends sample social media posts on a weekly basis coinciding with cancer awareness observances and other related events. This is a great way to connect with your constituents to spread education about cancer prevention. If you would like to receive these social media posts, please email Lisa McGovern or Cassie Smith.

Newsletters

Each spring and fall, Congressional Families sends out Actions, its bi-annual print newsletter. Click on the links to see a digital version of the newsletter and catch up with Congressional Families.

Fall/Winter 2022 Newsletter

Spring/Summer 2022 Newsletter

Fall/Winter 2021 Newsletter

Spring/Summer 2021 Newsletter

Fall 2020 Newsletter

Spring 2020 Newsletter 

Fall/Winter 2019 Newsletter

Spring 2019 Newsletter

Fall/Winter 2018 Newsletter

Spring 2018 Newsletter

Fall 2017 Newsletter

Spring 2017 Newsletter

Fall 2016 Newsletter

Spring/Summer 2016 Newsletter

Spring 2015 Newsletter

Fall 2014 Newsletter

Spring 2014 Newsletter

Fall 2013 Newsletter

Spring 2013 Newsletter

Fall 2012 Newsletter