U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) was presented with the 2012 Distinguished Public Service Award last week by the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI), an organization  representing the United States’ premier academic and free-standing cancer research centers. AACI’s Distinguished Public Service Award recognizes Sen. Moran’s exceptional leadership in promoting cancer research both as a seven-term congressman and in his service on the Senate Appropriations Committee, as a member of the health appropriations subcommittee.  He was the only senator to receive this award this year.

“Our consistent, sustained support of research related to cancer and other diseases is essential to saving and improving lives, growing our economy, and maintaining America’s role as a global leader in medical innovation and technological advancement. It can also lead to billions of dollars of savings in health care costs” Sen. Moran said. “Given the vast amount of progress made over the last century and the great potential current cancer research holds, now is not the time to waiver on America’s commitment to advancing further treatments. I am honored to receive this award and am proud to support tremendous research advances in Kansas, including the University of Kansas Cancer Center’s successful pursuit of National Cancer Institute designation this year. I look forward to continuing to advocate for efforts to combat cancer and bring new hope to patients and their families.”

“Sen. Moran’s support of the lifesaving work of the National Cancer Institute and AACI’s member institutions was reflected in his lead sponsorship last year of a Senate resolution highlighting the nation’s commitment to cancer research and commemorating the 40th anniversary of the signing of the National Cancer Act,” said the AACI. “Last year, Sen. Moran dedicated his full support to the University of Kansas Cancer Center’s bid for NCI designation – the highest recognition for an academic cancer center. The center received the designation in July.”

"From day one, Sen. Moran has been a tireless advocate on behalf of the University of Kansas Cancer Center – and he hasn't just advocated with words,” said Dr. Roy A. Jensen, Director of University of Kansas Cancer Center. “Thanks to Sen. Moran's leadership on the Senate Appropriations Committee, cancer patients and their families all across the country have benefited from federal investments in biomedical research that lead to lifesaving cures. Over the last 40 years, the scientific community has made enormous progress in eliminating the burden of cancer. We couldn't have done it without the support of leaders like Sen. Moran."

AACI is dedicated to promoting the nation’s leading research institutions’ efforts to eradicate cancer through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary program of cancer research, treatment, patient care, prevention, education and community outreach.