Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program ®
FIRST LADY JILL BIDEN JOINS CONGRESSIONAL FAMILIES PROGRAM SPRING RECEPTION
On Wednesday, April 19, the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program hosted our inaugural spring reception to advance cancer prevention and early detection.
First Lady Jill Biden joined the event as part of the Biden Administration’s Cancer Moonshot, working with the Congressional Families Program to highlight bipartisan support for cancer prevention and early detection. Held at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., the event hosted Members of Congress, spouses, and leaders in the cancer community, including Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and his wife, Dr. Carolina Reyes, and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.
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ACTIONS INSIDE NEW EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS 4 BETTER OUTCOMES SOCIAL MEDIA DAY 5 CONGRESSIONAL FAMILIES RESEARCH GRANT 5
SPRING/ SUMMER 2023 WWW.CONGRESSIONALFAMILIES.ORG
L to R: Rep. Nikema Williams (Ga.), Charlie Capito (W. Va.), Lisa McGovern, Executive Director, Congressional Families Program, First Lady Jill Biden, LeeAnn Johnson (Ohio), Mary Himes (Conn.), and Martha Hill (Ark.)
Bottom left, L to R: Dr. Carolina Reyes, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, Rep. Kweisi Mfume (Md.) and Tiffany Mfume
Bottom right, L to R: Cheryl Greene, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) and Rep. Angie Craig (Minn.)
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear congressional spouses and friends, Let me begin by welcoming our newest Congressional Families Program members and supporters!
Since 1991, the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program has been a way for congressional spouses and members to come together, regardless of political party, to support a common cause—educating the public about cancer prevention and early detection. Cancer knows no political party, and too many of us have been touched by these terrible diseases. The need to put an end to cancer deaths is something we can all agree on.
With the start of the 118th Congress, we have welcomed five spouses to our Executive Council and 79 spouses to our Advisory Committee, representing both sides of the aisle. If you’re not listed and would like to be, please send me an email! There is no financial or time commitment—only a desire to use your platform to educate the public about cancer prevention and early detection. It can be as simple as sharing one of our sample social media posts, recording a scripted one-minute video, or submitting an op-ed to your local media.
Earlier this year, some of our new members joined us for an introductory meeting on Zoom to learn more about the Program and hear from spouses who have been involved in their home districts and states. If you missed that meeting, you can view the recording at https://youtu.be/c6cPT78ZBBE.
Another big event for us was in April, when we were so honored to be joined by First Lady Jill Biden, along with a bipartisan panel, for our inaugural spring reception held at the Library of Congress. It was important for Dr. Biden to hear directly from you—congressional spouses—on the bipartisan work that is being done.
I am so proud to be part of this community and the work that we do. I look forward to learning about cancer prevention activities being done in your communities, the personal stories that draw you to this work, and thoughts on how we can work together.
Warmly,
Lisa McGovern, Executive Director
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
UPCOMING EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 14, 2023
30th Annual Action for Cancer Awareness Awards Luncheon
Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
SEPTEMBER 27, 2023
Prevent Cancer Foundation
29th Annual Gala
National Building Museum, Washington, D.C. The 2023 Prevent Cancer Gala will be held under the gracious patronage of Her Excellency, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Dina Kawar.
THANK YOU FOR TAKING ACTION: OP-ED OUTREACH
Each month, the Congressional Families Program offers members and spouses the opportunity to submit op-eds about cancer prevention and early detection to their local media outlets. Op-eds can be personalized and tailored for local use. Thank you to the following members and spouses who have recently requested state-specific information to personalize their op-eds and share vital cancer prevention and early detection messages in their home communities:
◗ Bronwen Fry – S.C.
◗ Nicole Beus Harris – Md.
◗ Martha Hill – Ark.
◗ Mikey Hoeven – N.D.
◗ Wayne Kye, D.D.S., M.S. – N.Y.
◗ Dr. Marcia Latta – Ohio
◗ Rep. Jim and Lisa McGovern (joint op-ed) – Mass.
◗ Jane Mrvan – Ind.
◗ Leslie Small – Ga.
◗ Amanda Soto – Fla.
Learn more about how you can educate the public about cancer prevention and early detection at www.congressionalfamilies.org.
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FIRST LADY JILL BIDEN JOINS CONGRESSIONAL FAMILIES PROGRAM SPRING RECEPTION
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First Lady Jill Biden was joined by Rep. Nikema Williams (Ga.) and a panel of congressional spouses who spoke of their participation in the Congressional Families Program and their work to raise awareness in their home states and districts. Participating spouses included:
Charlie Capito, married to Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (W.Va.)
Martha Hill, married to Rep. French Hill (Ark.)
Mary Himes, married to Rep. Jim Himes (Conn.)
LeeAnn Johnson, married to Rep. Bill Johnson (Ohio)
“Cancer touches us all. It’s not a red or a blue issue. It’s a human one and it takes all of us to stop it,” said First Lady Jill Biden in her remarks during the program. “That’s why this event and this organization matter so much. We can collaborate, share good ideas and best practices. Together, we can get people the information they need to prevent cancer before it happens and catch it early if it does.”
The event also recognized Rep. Doris Matsui (Calif.), who was honored with the inaugural Carolyn “Bo”
Aldigé Visionary Award for her leadership in creating the Program in 1991 as a partnership between the Congressional Club, which she led as a congressional spouse at the time, and the Prevent Cancer Foundation founded by Ms. Aldigé. “More than 30 years ago, Doris Matsui and Bo Aldigé recognized the great potential and value in bringing congressional spouses together— who are powerhouses in their own right—to share vital prevention and early detection information in their home districts and states,” said Lisa McGovern, Program Executive Director. “We applaud the Biden Cancer Moonshot for its bipartisan work, using the most visible platform in the nation to prioritize prevention. Cancer does not care what party you support and neither do we. It takes all of us working together to beat this formidable foe.”
MAKING YOUR VOICE HEARD: VOICES FOR CANCER PREVENTION VIDEO SERIES
In 2022, Congressional Families launched a new way for Program members to use their voices to educate the public about cancer prevention and early detection: the Voices for Cancer Prevention video series. Congressional members and spouses are invited to film brief cancer prevention and early detection messages, and then we (and you!) can post them on YouTube and other social media outlets. To view the series, visit bit.ly/3RVA2vD. If you’re interested in participating, reach out and we can work with you on a script and walk you through this easy process that can be done right from your phone!
Thank you to the following members and spouses who have filmed videos this year:
◗ Laura Cassidy, M.D. – La. (National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month)
◗ Conan Harris – Mass. (National Minority Health Month)
◗ Debra Miller, M.D. – Ga. (Testicular Cancer Awareness Month)
◗ Esther Reynoso, M.D. – Calif. (Cervical Health Awareness Month)
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L to R: Jody Hoyos, Prevent Cancer Foundation President and CEO, Rep. Debbie Dingell (Mich.), Lisa McGovern, Rep. Doris Matsui (Calif.) and Carolyn "Bo" Aldigé, Prevent Cancer Foundation Founder
L to R: Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (Calif.), Robin Allen (Ga.), Barbara Morris Lent (N.Y.) and Rep. Jim McGovern (Mass.)
WELCOME
TO OUR NEWEST EXECUTIVE COUNCIL LEADERS!
Charlie Capito, married to Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, has been touched personally by cancer in his family. As a member of the Congressional Families Program, he has participated in seminars and has used his platform to record a “Congressional Families: Voices for Cancer Prevention” video for Lung Cancer Awareness Month. He is passionate about increasing lung cancer screening rates in his home state, which has one of the highest lung cancer rates in the country.
Martha McKenzie Hill, married to Rep. French Hill of Arkansas, has been active in her community promoting cancer prevention and early detection through the Congressional Families Program and other outlets. Martha serves on the Advisory Board of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences—the state’s only academic medical center—which is seeking National Cancer Institute designation. She is a fierce advocate for providing access to cutting-edge care to all Arkansans, particularly in rural and medically underserved communities.
Mary Himes, married to Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, became more involved with the Congressional Families Program following her own breast cancer diagnosis in June 2021. Mary has used her platform to write op-eds, participate in a TV interview and record a “Congressional Families: Voices for Cancer Prevention” video sharing her story. She is focused on promoting key prevention and early detection methods, including encouraging annual mammograms and monthly self-exams for women of screening age. Mary is also creating art workshops for women and children undergoing cancer treatments to provide a positive outlet for them as art did for her during her own treatments.
Dr. Marcia Latta, married to Rep. Bob Latta of Ohio, lost a dear friend from college to breast cancer and has passionately used her platform to raise awareness to educate the public. Recently retired as Vice President for University Advancement at University of Findlay, Marcia has four decades of experience leading fundraising teams, and as a presenter and writer on issues of major gift fundraising, volunteer management and board governance.
Monica Ruiz, married to Rep. Raul Ruiz of California, brings with her valuable firsthand experience as a health care professional. Monica worked as an emergency room nurse with her husband, who was an ER physician in their Coachella Valley district before coming to Congress. They are a true partnership, devoted to accessible, affordable health care for all.
This year, we also welcomed 79 spouses of sitting Members of Congress to our Advisory Committee, which is now composed of 184 current spouses. Thank you to our new and returning members for your support! If you’d like to add your name to the committee, email Lisa at Lisa.McGovern@preventcancer.org. Learn more about the Prevent Cancer Foundation's new campaign at www. preventcancer.org/ betteroutcomes.
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MAKING AN IMPACT THROUGH RESEARCH: Srividya Swaminathan, Ph.D., receives 2023 Congressional Families Program Research Grant in memory of The Honorable Vic Fazio
The Congressional Families Program: Tribute to The Honorable Vic Fazio research grant was awarded in honor of the late Congressman Victor “Vic” Fazio, who died in 2022 of melanoma. Former Rep. Fazio served on the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s board of directors from 2015 to 2022. Below, learn more about this important research that our Program is helping to support.
PROJECT TITLE AND INSTITUTION
Targeting the Long Isoform of the Prolactin Receptor to Prevent B-Lymphomas, by Dr. Swaminathan, Assistant Professor of Systems Biology at Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, Calif.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Each year, many children and adults are diagnosed with deadly forms of blood cancer of a type of immune cell known as the B cell. These cancers are particularly difficult and expensive to treat. There is an unmet clinical need in prevention and early diagnosis of B-cell malignancies, especially in people vulnerable to developing these dreadful cancers.
THE GOAL AND PRACTICAL IMPACT
B-cell blood cancers (lymphoma and leukemia) are currently being treated with harsh chemotherapies and/or expensive immunotherapies. Despite being effective, such therapies diminish the quality of life of the patient. Prevention of B-cell malignancies using affordable strategies is key. Patients with B-cell autoimmune diseases and less aggressive forms of lymphoma are at high risk of developing aggressive, hard-to-treat, diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. The goal is to develop an affordable and safe approach that prevents the development of this devastating type of cancer.
Read about awarded researchers and the impact of the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s research program at www.preventcancer.org/research.
CONGRESSIONAL FAMILIES HOSTS BETTER OUTCOMES SOCIAL MEDIA DAY
On February 24, the Congressional Families Program hosted a tweetstorm to call attention to the importance of early detection. Members of Congress, congressional spouses and other Prevent Cancer Foundation stakeholders were invited to share one of the provided social media posts with their followers. Thank you to the following members and spouses for helping us spread this vital message.
◗ Sen. Sherrod Brown – Ohio
◗ Rep. Salud Carbajal – Calif.
◗ Rep. Buddy Carter – Ga.
◗ Rep. Yvette Clarke – N.Y.
◗ Rep. Emanuel Cleaver – Mo.
◗ Rep. Jasmine Crockett – Texas
◗ Rep. Mark DeSaulnier – Calif.
◗ Rep. Debbie Dingell – Mich.
◗ Sen. Dianne Feinstein – Calif.
◗ Rep. Michelle Fischbach – Minn.
◗ Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick – Pa.
◗ Rep. John Garamendi – Calif.
◗ Rep. Jimmy Gomez – Calif.
◗ Rep. Brian Higgins – N.J.
◗ Martha McKenzie Hill – Ark.
◗ Susan Huffman – Calif.
◗ Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith – Miss.
◗ Rep. Bill Johnson – Ohio
◗ Rep. John Joyce – Pa.
◗ Rep. Dan Kildee – Mich.
◗ Rep. Derek Kilmer – Wash.
◗ Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi – Ill.
◗ Rep. Nick LaLota – N.Y.
◗ Rep. Mike Levin – Calif.
◗ Rep. Doris Matsui – Calif.
◗ Rep. Jim McGovern – Mass.
◗ Rep. Kweisi Mfume – Md.
◗ Rep. Ayanna Pressley – Mass.
◗ Rep. Brad Schneider – Ill.
◗ Rep. Terri Sewell – Ala.
◗ Leslie Small – Ga.
◗ Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz – Fla.
◗ Rep. Frederica Wilson – Fla.
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Srividya Swaminathan, Ph.D.
CONGRESSIONAL FAMILIES PROGRAM MISSION AND HISTORY
The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program® is a bipartisan effort, founded in 1991, to increase the public’s understanding of cancer prevention and early detection. Families of Senate, House, Cabinet, Supreme Court and the Diplomatic Corps are invited to work within their respective constituencies to educate the public. The Congressional Families Program offers educational events, materials and resources, enabling its members to bring the message of cancer prevention and early detection back to their communities. www.congressionalfamilies.org
Cassie Smith, Editor
Lisa McGovern, Assistant Editor
Congressional Families Cancer Prevention
A Program of the Prevent Cancer Foundation®
333 John Carlyle St, Ste. 635
Alexandria, VA 22314 • tel: 703.837.3697
Congressional Families Cancer Prevention
is a program of the
POSTING WITH A PURPOSE: MAKING AN IMPACT THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA
The Prevent Cancer Foundation® is one of the nation’s leading health organizations and the only U.S. nonprofit focused solely on cancer prevention and early detection. Founded in 1985, it has elevated cancer prevention to prominence and fulfills its mission through research, education, outreach and advocacy across the country. Our public education programs have applied this scientific knowledge to inform the public about ways they can reduce their cancer risks. www.preventcancer.org
Do you know of a member or spouse who might want more information about the Congressional Families Program? Contact Lisa McGovern at lisa.mcgovern@preventcancer.org.
The Congressional Families Program distributes weekly social media posts for members and spouses to share, highlighting facts or tips related to monthly cancer observances (e.g., Breast Cancer Awareness Month) and other relevant occurrences, such as World Cancer Day. We encourage you to share these educational posts with your followers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Remember to use #CongressionalFamilies and tag @PreventCancer to coordinate our efforts and so we won’t miss your post. If you aren’t receiving this information and would like to, email Lisa at Lisa.McGovern@preventcancer.org.
Thank you to the following members and spouses who have shared posts on social media in recent months:
◗ Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick – Fla.
◗ Rep. Jim Costa – Calif.
◗ Rep. Jasmine Crocket – Texas
◗ Rep. Danny Davis – Ill.
◗ Rep. Debbie Dingell – Mich.
◗ Rep. Adriano Espaillat – N.Y.
◗ Sydney Gallego – Ariz.
◗ Martha Hill – Ark.
◗ Rep. Glenn Ivey – Md.
◗ Jolene Ivey – Md.
◗ LeeAnn Johnson – Ohio
◗ Dr. Marcia Latta – Ohio
◗ Rep. Mike Levin – Calif.
◗ Rep. Doris Matsui – Calif.
◗ Rep. Jim McGovern – Mass.
◗ Rep. Kweisi Mfume – Md.
◗ Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. – N.J.
◗ Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger – Md.
◗ Rep. John Rutherford – Fla.
◗ Rep. Pete Sessions – Texas
◗ Jonathan Small – V.I.
◗ Leslie Small – Ga.
◗ Amanda Soto – Fla.
333 John Carlyle St, Ste. 635, Alexandria, VA 22314
