Dr. Candace Johnson, Roswell Park President & CEO, Honored by American Cancer Society

Candace S. Johnson, PhD, President & CEO and Wallace Family Chair in Translational Research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, was recognized as the 2015 honoree at the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Cuisine for a Cure gala, held on Saturday, Sept. 19 at Statler City. Dr. Johnson was honored for her “leadership, excellence in the field of cancer research and unwavering commitment to the quality of care in Western New York.”

“It’s especially meaningful to be honored by an organization that has done so much to reduce cancer’s impact on our lives,” said Dr. Johnson. “From funding the early work of some of our most innovative researchers to their supportive programs for cancer survivors and their families, the American Cancer Society has been one of Roswell Park’s closest allies and partners.”

The two organizations have worked together to advance cancer research since the ACS’ Research Program began in 1946, and Roswell Park researcher and clinician Joseph E. Sokal, MD, was awarded one of the first ACS grants. Since then, Roswell Park researchers have received funding to support an investigation into an improved treatment for melanoma; programming to reach out to the Hispanic/Latino community with breast and cervical cancer education; and studies aimed at better understanding cancer at the cellular and molecular levels, among other funded research projects and patient-support programs.

Together, Roswell Park and the ACS have supported education and tools to help remove tobacco products from workplace environments and have educated the public about the risks of artificial tanning. And many Roswell Park patients have been able to access the Look Good Feel Better Program, which helps them to address the appearance-related effects of treatment, as well as The Hope Lodge, which provides a home-like environment for patients who may need to travel for their care. Roswell Park’s patients have also been supported by ACS-funded navigators, who are trained professionals available to help guide patients through the treatment process.

MassMutual of Buffalo was a major sponsor for the gala, which this year was a celebration of the Roaring Twenties.