Freda Manzullo, wife of Congressman Don Manzullo, R- 16th District, was honored recently for her efforts, especially in the 16th Congressional District, in raising awareness about cancer. She is a lymphoma survivor and has made it her mission to raise awareness about cancer, especially in her northern Illinois district. She is active in the cancer community, participating in events to raise awareness as well as fundraisers. She is a wife, mother and strong supporter and advocate to so many cancer patients.
She was among other outstanding leaders in cancer prevention at the Annual Capitol Hill Awards Luncheon. This event brings together a bipartisan, bicameral group of spouses and members of Congress along with leaders in the cancer community for an hour of unity to renew their commitment to fight cancer and recognize the work of those who inspire others. Freda serves as president of the Republican spouses and is beloved by her colleagues on both sides of the aisle for her grace and generosity of spirit.
Others who were honored along with Freda Manzullo include Erin and Steve Andrews who received the Distinguished Service in Journalism Award, honoring renowned journalists who have made a significant and responsible contribution through their work to educate about the need for cancer prevention and advances in cancer research. Erin Andrews reports for ESPN, and her father is a seven time Emmy award winning journalist from Tampa, Fla. When Steve Andrews was diagnosed with prostate cancer, the two used their talents and visibility to help educate the public through their involvement with “On the Line.”
The awareness initiative uses the power of sports entertainment to encourage discussion between men and their family, friends and physicians about prostate cancer risk factors, testing and treatment options .Erin Andrews is one of the first women to speak publicly about the disease, and their campaign is geared towards both men and women. The Andrews hope people will begin to talk as freely about prostate cancer as they now do about breast cancer.
Rep. Lois Capps (D-Calif.) is honored with the Excellence in Cancer Awareness Award for her commitment to cancer prevention and early detection through public service and policy. A former Congressional spouse, she became a member of Congress when her husband, Walter, died in 1996. A former nurse, she serves as co-chair of the Cancer Caucus. In 2000, she lost her daughter Lisa Margarit Capps, after a valiant, year-long fight against lung cancer. Since then, Lois has been a passionate voice on lung cancer prevention in particular, sponsoring and co-sponsoring many bills on health care and cancer, and serving on various health and cancer-related committees and caucuses. She has become a nationally recognized leader on a variety of topics, including Medicare reform, the nursing shortage, cancer, stroke and heart disease and domestic violence.
The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program is dedicated to reducing cancer mortality though a bipartisan outreach effort by family members of the U.S. Senate, House, Cabinet and Supreme Court. Formed in 1991 as a partnership between the Congressional Club and the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the program enables Congressional spouses to educate themselves and their constituents about cancer prevention and early detection. The focus is awareness not advocacy.
About The Prevent Cancer Foundation
Founded in 1985, Prevent Cancer Foundation is one of the nation’s leading health organizations that have catapulted cancer prevention to prominence. Since its inception, the Foundation has provided more than $120 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education and community outreach programs across the country.
For more information, please visit www.preventcancer.org.
