New Jersey Advocate Receives Highest Recognition from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

TRENTON, NJ – September 26, 2021– Sister Maggie Lopez was presented the Alan Mills Award by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in recognition of her efforts to help make cancer a national priority.

The Alan Mills Award recognizes an ACS CAN staff person who has consistently demonstrated leadership and excellence in the areas of advocacy and public policy. This award is the highest honor for ACS CAN staff, and is presented in recognition of an individual’s exceptional contributions and service to ACS CAN’s mission and advocacy work.

“Sister Maggie is a truly beloved cancer advocate, both among her colleagues and her treasured volunteer teams,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “Her impressive career and longtime service to our cancer mission have included meaningful public policy wins that better the lives of cancer patients, survivors and their families. We are incredibly grateful to Sister Maggie for her unwavering passion, dedication and optimism that shines through in her advocacy every day.”

Sr. Maggie’s work has resulted in New Jersey having one of the strongest ACS CAN volunteer teams in the United States. Her ability to build strong relationships has resulted in state, federal and local lawmakers better understanding our issues. Because of this important progress has been made on crucial issues including clean indoor air, the dedication of a defined percentage of state cigarette tax revenues to tobacco prevention efforts and so many others.

“Sr Maggie is the heart and soul of our advocacy work in New Jersey,” said ACS CAN Managing Director Bill Sherman. “She has built one of the strongest and passionate volunteer corps in the country. Without her leadership we would not have had so many significant wins. Sr. Maggie and our ACS CAN volunteers have changed the landscape of New Jersey cancer control policy.”

The award was presented on Sept. 26 as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Nearly 700 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones will meet virtually with their elected officials on Sept. 28 to urge them to make cancer a national priority.

On behalf of all families touched by cancer, ACS CAN thanks Sister Maggie for her incredible advocacy efforts that helps eliminate the burden of cancer in New Jersey and across the country.

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