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Mississippi Lawmakers Receive National Distinguished Advocacy Award for Cancer Policy
Award is Highest Honor Presented by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
September 16, 2026
JACKSON, Miss. – September 16, 2026 – Mississippi state Rep. Sam Creekmore and state Sen. Walter Michel 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 their significant contribution in the fight against cancer.
ACS CAN presents the annual award to select lawmakers who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the area of cancer-related public policy advocacy. Rep. Creekmore and Sen. Michel's unwavering commitment was fundamental to securing the passage of Jill's Law, critical legislation that expands access to biomarker testing for Mississippians.
“Rep. Creekmore and Sen. Michel worked diligently with patients, physicians, advocates and fellow lawmakers to advance Jill's Law, garnering unanimous, bipartisan support for a noble goal: doing what is best for Mississippi patients," said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. "Because of their determination, thousands of Mississippians facing cancer and other serious illnesses will have greater access to precision medicine and evidence-based care. ACS CAN looks forward to our continued partnership on behalf of all the patients, survivors and families touched by cancer in Mississippi.”
Jill's Law will help reduce barriers to testing needed to guide treatment, unlocking precision treatments that can improve health outcomes and give patients and families the opportunity for more informed and effective healthcare decisions. The bill was named "Jill's Law" in honor of Jill Eure, the late wife of state Rep. Casey Eure. Following her cancer diagnosis, biomarker testing helped Jill's doctors select treatments that extended her life, giving her more time with loved ones.
"We are grateful to Rep. Eure for sharing Jill's story and allowing us to honor her memory through this important legislation,” said Kimberly Hughes, Mississippi government relations director for ACS CAN. “We are especially thankful to sponsors Sen. Michel and Rep. Creekmore, who carried Jill's Law over the finish line so we can help thousands of Mississippians access these game-changing tests. This award celebrates their efforts to make Mississippi a national leader in cancer policy. We look forward to continuing our efforts together to end cancer as we know it, for everyone."
The award was presented on September 16 as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. 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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