HELENA, Mont. – Montana State Senator Willis Curdy 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 his significant contribution in the fight against cancer.
ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, presents the annual award to select lawmakers who demonstrate outstanding leadership in regard to cancer-related public policy advocacy.
“Senator Willis Curdy has repeatedly distinguished himself as a leader in advocating for stronger anti-tobacco measures in Montana, a crucial component of efforts to end cancer as we know it, for everyone,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “Tobacco control is an indispensable tool in the fight against cancer and the measures championed by Senator Curdy promise to have a lasting, positive effect on the health and well-being of Montanans. ACS CAN is immensely grateful for the Senator’s advocacy and looks forward to continued partnership on behalf of all the patients, survivors and families touched by cancer in Montana.”
Sen. Curdy has provided years of leadership in tobacco control and smoke-free legislation. This past session he was part of two crucial measures related to those issues. He led the defeat of Senate Bill 150, which would have provided a cigar exemption to the Montana Clean Indoor Air Act. The former high school teacher also sponsored Senate Bill 390, which strengthened the 20-year-old Clean Indoor Air Act by adding e-cigarettes to the statute in a state where youth use the products at one of the nation’s highest rates.
“Throughout his tenure in the legislature Sen. Curdy has either sponsored, requested or in other ways supported legislation every session to add electronic smoking devices including e-cigarettes to the Clean Indoor Air Act. Good work deserves recognition, and I can think of no lawmaker who has done more to advance our priorities than Willis Curdy,” ACS CAN Montana Government Relations Director Denver Henderson said. “Senator Curdy’s efforts will save lives and help keep our kids from addiction, diminished health outcomes and early death.”
The award was presented on Sept. 17 as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Over 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.