Patty Avery receives national award from American Cancer Society

Old National’s own Patty Avery was recognized nationally for her volunteer efforts with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).  She was named the State Lead Ambassador of the Year during ACS CAN’s recent Leadership Summit and Lobby Day in Washington, D.C.

Patty works in CRA in Evansville and has a long history of volunteerism with a variety of community, state and national organizations. She was honored by ONB in 2007 as the Wayne Henning Volunteer of the Year.

"I had lost both of my maternal grandparents to cancer and I had grown up in their home. I was very, very close to them," Patty said in a quote to the Evansville Courier and Press. "I fell in love with Relay for Life because it gave me a way to fight back."

“Patty Avery is the epitome of a State Lead Ambassador, going above and beyond her role as a volunteer to be an engaged, effective advocate for the American Cancer Society and ACS CAN,” said Jennifer Hunt, director of grassroots advocacy for the American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division. “She was selected from a pool of extremely dedicated, talented and effective nominees because of her outstanding success and commitment to the fight against cancer on all fronts.”

To be nominated for the State Lead Ambassador of the Year award, nominees must meet certain criteria such as elevating the advocacy profile, excelling in fundraising efforts and communicating and leading coalitions on public policy agenda.

“It is because of people like Patty Avery that the United States Congress will act now, not later, on health care reform,” said Hunt. “We are truly fortunate that Patty Avery is a member of our volunteer leadership team and because of her passion and commitment, there is no telling the number of lives that will be saved and the difference that will be made for people touched by cancer.”