KENOSHA, Wis. – Wisconsin State Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R - Pleasant Prairie) received the National Distinguished Advocacy Award this week, the most prestigious award presented by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), in recognition of her significant contribution in the fight against cancer.
ACS CAN presents the annual award to select lawmakers who demonstrate outstanding leadership in advancing cancer-related public policy. Rep. Nedweski's courageous leadership and perseverance were crucial in securing passage of Gail's Law, making lifesaving breast cancer screening more accessible for Wisconsinites. This landmark law removes financial barriers to early detection, ensuring that more women can receive the care they need when it matters most. Its impact will be measured not only in improved health outcomes but in lives saved.
"Gail's Law is a shining example of what can be accomplished when we come together in pursuit of a common goal: preventing unnecessary suffering by improving access to cancer screenings," said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “ACS CAN is immensely grateful for Rep. Nedweski’s commitment to passage of this critical legislation and looks forward to our continued partnership on behalf of all the patients, survivors and families touched by cancer in Wisconsin.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed for women in Wisconsin. In 2026, an estimated 6,030 Wisconsin women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 670 are expected to die from the disease. Gail’s law is named in honor of Gail Zeamer, a Wisconsin woman and advocate who died of breast cancer after routine mammograms failed to detect her illness due to dense breast tissue. Gail’s Law eliminates out-of-pocket costs for supplemental and diagnostic breast imaging. These screenings are essential for detecting cancer early, when treatment is most effective and least invasive.
“Rep. Nedweski championed Gail’s Law to remove financial barriers and ensure more women in Wisconsin have access to life-saving supplemental breast imaging,” said Sara Sahli, ACS CAN Wisconsin Government Relations Director. “Wisconsin’s cancer community is grateful to Rep. Nedweski for her dedication, uplifting Gail’s memory and making it easier for Wisconsin women to prevent, detect, treat and survive breast cancer.”
The award was presented on September 16 as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day in Washington, DC. Over 750 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones met with their elected officials to urge them to prioritize cancer research and prevention programs, along with other proven cancer-fighting policies, highlighting the real-life impact these investments have on patients, families and communities nationwide.
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.