On October 21 in Washington, DC, the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) hosted a reception to honor Richard Pazdur, MD, and Ellen Goodman. NCCS Chief Executive Officer, Shelly Fuld Nasso, welcomed attendees to the special awards reception.
NCCS Public Service Leadership Award
The NCCS Public Service Leadership Award is given to an individual whose efforts have advanced cancer survivorship in the public sector.
Robert M. Califf, MD, Deputy Commissioner for Medical Products and Tobacco at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and a special guest, presented the 2015 NCCS Public Service Leadership Award to Dr. Pazdur.
A distinguished researcher and leader in clinical trial design and drug development in advanced colorectal cancer, Dr. Pazdur is the Director of the Office of Hematology and Oncology Products in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at the FDA.
Jessie Gruman Award for Patient Engagement
The inaugural Jessie Gruman Award for Patient Engagement was presented to Ms. Goodman, a Pulitzer Prize–winning columnist, author, and founder of The Conversation Project, a widely celebrated national public health campaign that works to change the way people talk about and prepare for end-of-life care. The award was established with a grant from the Center for Advancing Health to honor the legacy of Dr. Gruman, a tireless advocate and leader in patient empowerment.
NCCS: Quality of Care and Quality of Life After Diagnosis
The NCCS advocates for quality cancer care for all individuals touched by cancer. Founded by and for cancer survivors, NCCS is a leader in advocating for policy changes to promote quality of care and quality of life after diagnosis. The organization strongly believes in evidence-based advocacy that reflects the needs of cancer patients to effect policy change at the national level. ■
