We are proud to introduce the inaugural Lainie Jones Advocacy Award, created in honor of Lainie’s extraordinary legacy and the profound impact she had on the American Cancer Society community. 

This award is named for our beloved colleague, Lainie Jones, who faced cancer with unimaginable strength and grace. Cancer was not new to Lainie, it was the seventh type she had battled since she was just 18 months old. Despite every challenge, she transformed her diagnosis into her purpose. 

Lainie lived that purpose every day. As a dedicated colleague at the American Cancer Society, she first worked at Hope Lodge NYC, where she witnessed firsthand the comfort and sense of community provided to patients and caregivers. She later joined the Distinguished Events team and became the first staff partner to help manage and grow this very event. Lainie didn’t just do her job, she infused her work with her personal journey, using her experience to inspire others, advocate for patients, and remind us all why this mission matters. 

The Lainie Jones Advocacy Award will be presented annually to an individual who embodies her courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to advocacy. 

Through this award, Lainie’s light continues to shine, inspiring all of us to turn challenge into purpose and to ensure that no one faces cancer alone.