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ATLANTA (July 15, 2021)– Americans will be remembering U.S. Representative John R. Lewis on July 17, the first anniversary of his passing, in many ways. As this year’s American Cancer Society (ACS) Hope Award honoree, Rep. Lewis will be celebrated not only for his work serving as Georgia’s 5th congressional district representative and serving the City of Atlanta – home to the ACS global headquarters – but for his efforts to shine a light on the burden of cancer.
“Rep. Lewis dedicated his life to addressing the critical challenges affecting our community, country, and world,” said Brant Woodward, executive vice president for the American Cancer Society Southeast Region. “We are privileged to have the support of the Lewis family and to recognize Rep. Lewis at our Hope Ball gala in September, paying tribute to his work to champion cancer awareness, access to health care for all, and the passage of critical cancer patient protection legislation.”
At the end of his life, Rep. Lewis again shined a light on cancer’s burden by courageously sharing his personal experience with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The late congressman’s family is inviting everyone to express their support of Rep. Lewis’ legacy by helping to raise vital funds for the American Cancer Society and new cancer research with a focus on health equity.
“Cancer is a disease that can affect anyone, but it doesn’t affect everyone equally,” saidGrant Lewis. “Health equity means every person has a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Advancing research and providing hope for future cancer patients is a fitting tribute to my brother who relentlessly pursued progress, justice, and hope.”
Chris Womack, chairman, president, and CEO of Georgia Power has joined the Hope Committee, a group of prominent Atlanta business and community members supporting the American Cancer Society Hope Ball’s mission momentin honor of Rep. Lewis.Thanks to the generosity of Georgia Power, all donations to this year’s mission moment will be matched up to $10,000 during July. Funds raised willmake a difference in the lives of cancer patients and support research to help understand cancer inequalities and create strategies for overcoming them. To donate, visit HopeBall.org.
Hope Committee members also include John M. Haupert, FACHE, president and CEO, Grady Health System; Jill Savitt, president and CEO, National Center for Civil and Human Rights; and Jack Sawyer, managing partner, Cresset Capital. All Hope Committee members will be confirmed in September. For consideration to join, please contact Celeste Pendarvis atceleste.pendarvis@cancer.orgor call (404) 339-7744.
“These individuals and businesses have made a commitment to address cancer disparities in the Black community and other groups facing health inequities,” Woodward said.“Currently, ACS is funding 68 health disparities research grants, reflecting $52 million in research. Together, with the help of our partners, we’re working to better understand what cancer disparities and inequities exist, what causes them, and how to decrease them.”
The American Cancer Society Atlanta Hope Ball is one of the ACS’s largest fundraising events. Presented by Delta Air Lines, Hope Ballwill take place on Saturday, September 25, at 6:30 p.m., at The St. Regis, 88West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta.
“We are indebted to Rep. Lewis for paving a path for cancer patients and their families and for the courage he’s given us by sharing his own journey,” Woodward said. “We’re committed to ensuring his vision for the country carries on, and we look forward to honoring him at Hope Ball.”
About The American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 1.5 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening influential activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle. For more information, go towww.cancer.org.