Mary Kost of New Albany Receives National Volunteer Award for Commitment to Cancer Advocacy

Washington, D.C. – Mary Kost was awarded Ambassador Constituent Team (ACT) Lead of the Year by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) for her exceptional commitment to advocacy work and making cancer a national priority. 

For over a decade, Mary has been a tireless champion for cancer patients, survivors, and their families - fighting for policies that improve prevention, access to care, and quality of life. Her wealth of experience, combined with her deep compassion and strategic advocacy, has made her a trusted leader and mentor within our volunteer community.

“Mary is a tireless advocate who speaks out on behalf of all those touched by cancer, both in her community in Indiana and across the country,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “Her outstanding efforts are reflected in her ability to swiftly organize and mobilize a robust team of local volunteers to champion strong and effective public policy to help end cancer as we know it for everyone.”

This annual award is given to a lead congressional district volunteer who has demonstrated remarkable leadership in advocating for ACS CAN’s mission priority areas of cancer-related public policy.

The award was presented on Sept. 14 as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. More than 700 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.