Vice President Joe Biden to be Honored at Cancer Support Community Gala Marketing 35th Anniversary

NEW YORK – (Apr. 20, 2017) – The Cancer Support Community will honor Vice President Joe Biden and the former Cancer Moonshot team this evening with the Founders Award for Vision for their tireless efforts to galvanize action and improve the future for those affected by cancer.

In his final State of the Union address, President Obama tasked Vice President Biden with leading the Cancer Moonshot, a new national effort to end cancer as we know it. The goal of the Cancer Moonshot is to dramatically accelerate progress toward cures – to make a decade's worth of advances in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care in just five years. Beyond a Task Force of dedicated federal agencies and sub-agencies, Vice President Biden assembled a team of passionate individuals to execute the mission of the Cancer Moonshot. Without the visionary leadership of Vice President Biden and the dedicated Cancer Moonshot staff, the partnerships, collaborations, and pledges responding to the Vice President’s call to action may never have occurred.

"Cancer touches us all in some way and at some point. Everywhere I go, people share their stories of heartbreak and hope. And every day, I’m reminded that our work to end cancer as we know it is bigger than just a single person. It carries the hopes and dreams of millions of people who are praying that we succeed, praying for hope, praying for time—not someday, but now," Vice President Biden said.

“We are thrilled to recognize the critical work of Vice President Biden and the Cancer Moonshot Team along with the extraordinary contributions of all of our honorees,” remarked CEO of Cancer Support Community, Kim Thiboldeaux. “This distinguished group personifies the true meaning and vital necessity of support for people living with cancer, and their families and friends.”

Hosted by Jack Ford, CBS News Legal Analyst, the Spring Celebration celebrates the accomplishments of heroes in the cancer community while raising vital funds to advance CSC’s mission—to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community.

This year’s gala takes on special significance, as it is the first in a series of events nationwide celebrating the Cancer Support Community’s 35th anniversary. It features the themes of Hope, Renewal, Growth, Compassion, and Harmony.

In addition to Vice President Biden and the Cancer Moonshot Team, CSC will proudly present the following awards to this year’s honorees:

Baseball legend Ken Griffey, Sr.

Founders Award for Spirit

Novartis

Acceptance by Bill Hinshaw, Executive Vice President, US Oncology

Founders Award for Innovation

ESPN reporter Holly Rowe

Founders Award for Empowerment

Film and TV stars and producers Alysia Reiner and David Alan Basche

Founders Award for Support