FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 26, 2012
Contact: Kelly Sittig
Iowa Cancer Consortium
(319) 335-8816
Fax: (319) 335-4072
Iowans to be Honored at 2012 Cancer Summit
DES MOINES, IA – Three members of the Iowa Cancer Consortium (ICC) will receive awards at the 2012 Iowa Cancer Summit, planned for October 3-4, 2012 at the West Des Moines Marriott in West Des Moines, IA.
Peggy Huppertof Des Moines will receive the Fifth Annual Iowa Cancer Champion Award, given each year to an individual or organization who demonstrates commitment to reducing the burden of cancer in Iowa through work on policy and legislative issues. Ms. Huppert, government relations director for the American Cancer Society in Iowa, was nominated based on herleadership in advancing policies that protect the health of Iowans. She was instrumental in passing the Iowa Smoke Free Air Act, and provided leadership in developing legislation to guarantee that insurance companies pay for oral chemotherapy drugs. Most recently she has guided efforts to protect Iowans from lung-cancer-inducing radon. Ms. Huppert is also recognized for her ability to communicate complicated cancer issues to Iowans and policy makers.
Two Iowans will receivethe 2012 Karen Packer Spirit of Collaboration Award, which honors Iowans who have an outstanding commitment to collaborative cancer control efforts in Iowa. Daniel Hoffman-Zinnel of Des Moines will receive the award for his commitment to promoting cancer prevention and providing colorectal cancer information to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities in the Des Moines and Ames areas.
Judy Morrison of Iowa City will also receive the 2012 Karen Packer Spirit of Collaboration Award. Ms. Morrison was nominated for her efforts to provide cancer education and treatment to Native communities in Iowa through cultural competency trainings, support groups, screening projects, and awareness events. Ms. Morrison has also provided cancer education and prevention programs to populations within correctional facilities.
Ms. Huppert, Mr. Hoffman-Zinnel, and Ms. Morrison will receive their awards at 4:40 p.m. on October 3rd at the West Des Moines Marriott, 1250 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. Photos of the three award recipients are attached.
Each year, the Iowa Cancer Consortium (ICC) hosts the Iowa Cancer Summit, bringing together cancer survivors, health-care providers, researchers, public health professionals, and other Iowans to share information and best practices in cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and quality of life.
This year’s Summit observes the tenth anniversary of the Iowa Cancer Consortium. Event highlights will include a Healthiest State 1K Walk at 3:10 p.m. on October 3rd (information at and a panel discussion featuring four Iowa legislators at 2:30 p.m. on October 4th. More information about the Summit is available at
ABOUT THE IOWA CANCER CONSORTIUM
The Iowa Cancer Consortium (ICC) coordinates the efforts of hundreds of individuals and organizations working together to conquer cancer. Formed in 2001, the ICC developed a comprehensive state-wide plan that includes strategies designed to improve disease prevention, early detection, research, survivorship, and quality of life for people affected by cancer. More information is available online at
###