Indiana Advocacy Team recognized with National Award for Excellence in Cancer Advocacy

 This week, Indiana was recognized as the country’s top state advocacy team by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in honor of their exceptional work advocating for cancer-fighting public policies.

After 16+ years of working to increase the cost of all tobacco products in Indiana to help reduce the cancer burden in the state, it’s easy for volunteers and staff to experience issue fatigue and give up. But ‘give up’ was never in the Indiana volunteer team’s vocabulary. During the 2025 state legislative session, the Indiana team achieved a landmark victory: a $2-per-pack cigarette tax increase, as well as tax increases on other tobacco products. This success is a testament to their unwavering commitment, exceptional teamwork and strategic thinking.

“This team of Hoosiers have shown incredible tenacity and persistence in their efforts on behalf of everyone in Indiana who has been touched by cancer,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “They have made significant strides to reduce suffering and death from cancer in Indiana and nationwide. ACS CAN is incredibly grateful for and proud of their unwavering commitment to this cause.

ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, presents this award to combined staff and volunteer teams that have worked together to make a significant impact in the organization’s goal to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

The award was presented on Sept. 14 as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Roughly 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.