Local Woman Honored for Cancer Advocacy

Roseville, Calif. – Former educator and Granite Bay mother of three Laura Tyrrell was honored at the Stars of Advocacy Inaugural Gala Fundraiser, honoring individuals whose personal contributions have inspired others and reflect the enduring gifts they so generously extend.

Tyrrell is a three-time cancer survivor and currently in treatment.  With her husband, Steve Tyrrell, watching from the audience on January 29, 2016, she was presented with an award for her years as a volunteer Legislative Ambassador for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society.  Tyrrell has donated her time generously by providing expert testimony at news conferences, legislative hearings, public events, and seminars on issues including cancer research, palliative care, clinical trials, survivorship, and tobacco control. 

“Many lawmakers in the California State Legislature and on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., can attest to her passionate personal experiences that when shared with them shape the way they view legislation,” said ACS CAN California Director of State Legislation Autumn Ogden.  “She has moved many policymakers and staff to tears with her pleas for cancer-fighting policies.”

Tyrrell’s strength of character was noted during Friday night’s black-tie affair in Sacramento.

“On her most recent trip to Washington, D.C., she left her hospital bed only hours after an unexpected surgical procedure to take a taxi directly to a meeting with Congressman Tom McClintock,” said ACS CAN Grassroots Director Lori Bremner.

Tyrrell has volunteered and supported ACS CAN Sacramento Research Breakfast, American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay for Life, ACS MSABC, ACS Patient Support Programs, ACS Harvest Gala, and the ACS Capitol Invitational. She is also a volunteer for the Placer Breast Cancer Endowment Fund & Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

The Gala was hosted by the California Chronic Care Coalition (CCCC), a unique alliance of more than 30 leading consumer health organizations and provider groups that promote the collaborative work of policy makers, industry leaders, providers, and consumers to improve the health of Californians with chronic conditions.  CCCC envisions a system of care that is accessible, affordable, and of a high-quality that emphasizes prevention, coordinated care, and the patient’s wellness and longevity.  Features of the CCCC include the early diagnosis of chronic conditions, access to effective and appropriate treatment and improved chronic care management.

ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem.  ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard.

For more information, visit www.acscan.org.