5 Florida Legislators Receive Moffitt Momentum Award

October 01, 2010

TAMPA, Fla. — Moffitt Cancer Center has honored five Florida legislators with the inaugural Moffitt Momentum Award for their dedication to Moffitt’s mission of contributing to the prevention and cure of cancer. They were presented the award Tuesday at Moffitt.

“The Moffitt Momentum Award is our way of honoring outstanding public servants who have been tireless advocates for Florida citizens battling cancer,” said William S. Dalton, Ph.D., M.D., Moffitt’s president, CEO and center director. “The leadership of these legislators has been instrumental to building our cancer center’s momentum and for a wide range of public policies that benefit cancer patients in Florida.”

The following legislators are the 2010 Moffitt Momentum Award recipients:

Rep. Marti Coley (Marianna)

Ardent supporter of cancer research initiatives throughout the state, including Bankhead-Coley biomedical research grants and the Florida Cancer Control & Research Advisory Council.

Rep. Oscar Braynon II (Miami Gardens)

Advocate for statewide cancer initiatives and patient protection policies. Strong proponent of state investment in cancer research as economic development and business growth mechanism.

Rep. Seth McKeel (Lakeland)

As chairman of the Bay Area Legislative Delegation, galvanized Tampa Bay area lawmakers in support of state funding for research and treatment initiatives at Moffitt and throughout Florida.

Sen. Ronda Storms (Brandon)

Vigorous advocate for a variety of measures to provide funding for cancer research to improve survival rates for cancer patients throughout Florida.

Rep. Will W. Weatherford (Wesley Chapel)

Outspoken advocate for state investment in Moffitt’s statewide research enterprise, including support for ongoing scientific investigations, as well as development of new cancer research facilities.

Reactions from Moffitt Momentum Award Honorees

“Each and every one of us has been affected by cancer in some way, which is why supporting Moffitt Cancer Center is so important for our state,” said Rep. Will W. Weatherford. “Simply put, the men and women who work at Moffitt bring hope when others cannot. I am extremely grateful for this recognition and remain committed to help move their research forward towards a cure for this devastating disease.”

“I have had multiple friends who have battled various cancers and have spent many hours on Moffitt’s leukemia floor,” said Sen. Ronda Storms. “I have seen firsthand the toll cancer takes on lives and families. It is imperative that we continue to fund cancer research and work to save and improve as many lives as possible. Moffitt is a stellar facility, and it is my honor to continue to work on Moffitt’s behalf in Tallahassee.”

About Moffitt Cancer Center

Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center is an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center - a designation that recognizes Moffitt’s excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt currently has 14 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country’s leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer. Moffitt’s sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

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PHOTO CAPTION

In a ceremony held at Moffitt Cancer Center on Sept. 28, five Florida legislators received the Moffitt Momentum Award in recognition of their leadership and advocacy on behalf of state residents battling cancer. Pictured from left are the cancer center’s founder, H. Lee Moffitt, Sen. Ronda Storms, Rep. Will W. Weatherford, Rep. Marti Coley, Rep. Seth McKeel, Rep. Oscar Braynon, and former U.S. Sen. Connie Mack, the chairman emeritus of Moffitt’s governing board.