Ursuline Sister is first in division to receive national cancer volunteer award

The award is given to an ACS volunteer for distinguished and exemplary leadership, years of service and commitment to the ACS as well as achievements in cancer control and community involvement in the fight against cancer. Sister Rita was nominated in the Mid-South Division, which consists of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. The award has been given out only six other times in the country.

“I was totally surprised,” said Sister Rita, who was in Frankfort to attend the American Cancer Society Rally Day. “They were talking about the award and I had no idea they were going to give it to me!”

A cancer survivor herself, Sister Rita has volunteered for the American Cancer Society for nearly 20 years. She is currently a volunteer trainer coordinator for the Reach to Recovery Program, chair of the breast cancer advisory committee, ambassador to the Relay for Life Celebration on the Hill and serves on the executive committee of the Louisville Lumpectomy and Mastectomy Association.

As a trained spokesperson for the ACS, Sister Rita has filled more speaking engagements than any other volunteer. She was one of the first people to visit cancer patients in rural areas surrounding Louisville, offering counseling services and bringing hope to the patients and their families. She also makes many trips each year to Frankfort to advocate on behalf of cancer patients and their families.