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Medford Resident Recognized with Young Leader Award in Recognition of Cancer Advocacy Efforts
Award is Given Annually by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
September 30, 2025
Washington, D.C. – September 26, 2025 – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) presented Medford’s Marina Watanabe with the Young Leader award in recognition of her passionate advocacy and commitment to ending cancer as we know it, for everyone.
This award is presented to a state volunteer who has demonstrated an exciting promise in their start with ACS CAN by taking advantage of new opportunities to advocate for cancer patients.
Watanabe is an ACS CAN Volunteer Lead in Massachusetts, lead volunteer for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Volunteer Caucus and has volunteered with ACS CAN for nearly four years. Known for her charisma, enthusiasm, and sharp wit, Marina is quickly—and deservedly—becoming one of the leading volunteer voices at ACS CAN. Marina’s drive to create a world without cancer began at the age of nine when she lost her mother to lung cancer. Since then, she has worn many hats and fought against cancer in the research lab as a scientist and in the classroom as a STEM educator.
Watanabe earned her PhD in Biological and Biomedical Sciences at Harvard University. Her graduate research at Brigham and Women’s Hospital focused on discovering novel combination therapies in the treatment of HER2+ breast cancer.
“Marina is a tireless force and a passionate advocate in the fight against cancer,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “In her tenure advocating with ACS CAN she has already made remarkable strides in reducing the burden of cancer throughout Massachusetts and across the nation. We are immensely thankful for Marina’s leadership and dedication to supporting public policies that help cancer patients and their loved ones.”
“Marina is an important, trusted, and reliable volunteer leader,” said Julia Seremba, grassroots manager for ACS CAN in Massachusetts. “She is not only an impactful current and future leader deserving of this award but also a dedicated advocate, equity champion, and highly engaged volunteer. She truly embodies ACS CAN’s vision, to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.”
The award was presented on Sept. 17 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.
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