Barbara Effman was awarded the Volunteer Award for Excellence in Advocacy by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in recognition of her efforts to help make cancer a national priority.
Each year, a lead volunteer who has consistently demonstrated strong leadership while advocating in areas of cancer-related public policy receives this award.
“Barbara has demonstrated an unrelenting commitment to reducing death and suffering caused by cancer throughout her impressive tenure as a lead ACS CAN volunteer,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “It’s because of her tremendous reputation as a strategic and effective cancer advocate that she has achieved extraordinary strides toward implementing meaningful legislation to save lives from this disease in Florida and nationwide. ACS CAN – and by extension, all those that we advocate on behalf of – are beyond fortunate to have Barbara on our side.”
Barbara has been a committed volunteer leader for ACS CAN, the largest national cancer advocacy organization, for over 35 impactful years. Through the decades, she’s raised thousands of dollars, participated in numerous and historic wins for the Sunshine State, and been an active member of the many local ACS and ACS CAN boards.
“Barbara truly exemplifies what it means to be a fully integrated volunteer who spends countless hours forwarding our mission,” noted Natalie Kliné, Florida Senior Grassroots Manager. “Her personable and dedicated nature has established strong relationships that have turned to the immense community and legislative influence she holds today. I’ve been lucky to see her work and turn the tides at crucial debates and moments over the years. There’s no question her advocacy efforts alone have helped save thousands of Floridians’ lives.”
At the event, internal staff recounted special moments where Barabara’s relationships have run deep with lawmakers regularly sending their regards for relentless advocacy.
The award was presented on Sept. 11 as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Nearly 700 cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones met in-person for the first time since 2019 with their elected officials on Sept. 13 to urge them to make cancer a national priority.
About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state, and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.
