The American Cancer Society recognized two outstanding individuals with the Volunteer Leadership Award, a prestigious national honor for volunteers with extraordinary contributions to the fight against cancer through humanitarian, distinguished service, and leadership.
The Volunteer Leadership Award recognizes volunteers with talents and commitment to make progress against cancer. The awards were presented during a ceremony in Atlanta on Jan. 13, 2016. This year's recipients include Kathleen M. Bond, Shaker Heights, OH; and Robert R. Kugler, Esq., Beach Haven, NJ.
"We are privileged to present this award to our volunteer leaders for their inspirational accomplishments," said Scarlott K. Mueller, MPH, RN, chair, American Cancer Society Board of Directors. "We are honored to have such incredible volunteers whose work is substantially helping us achieve our mission to eliminate cancer."
Kathleen M. Bond has been a volunteer for nearly 40 years, and has impacted all pillars of the Society from local fundraising and leadership, to national research and advocacy. Specifically, Bond made a significant impact on the Hope Lodge® program and worked to establish the successful Pan Ohio Hope Ride, a 328-mile, four-day bicycle event that has raised nearly $4 million since its inception. In her work with Hope Lodge, Bond helped reinvigorate a fundraising campaign to exceed goals, and established a $5 million endowment campaign. She created and implemented practices that are now important criteria for other Hope Lodge locations across the nation.
Robert R. Kugler has been a volunteer for more than four decades and is a leader in the fight against cancer contributing to the lifesaving work of the American Cancer Society and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). His commitment to reduce tobacco use among adults and youth has led to monumental breakthroughs in the fight against tobacco, including the passing of the Clean Indoor Air Act in New Jersey, and the landmark Clean Air Ordinance in New York City. His vision and leadership also led to the opening of the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Jerome L. Greene Family Center in New York. Through his support and guidance, Hope lodge was able to meet an urgent need for free patient lodging in that area.
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About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 2.5 million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society's efforts have contributed to a 22 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress; 14.5 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year. We're determined to finish the fight against cancer. We're finding cures as the nation's largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.