AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: Why We Care

By Lisa Honig, Unit Exec. Director
American Cancer Society, Marco Island

This is the first of an ongoing series of columns dedicated to informing the Mar­co Island community about The American Cancer Society, the nationwide commu­nity-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, sav­ing lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, ad­vocacy, and service.

Our first installment will focus on the Unit Operating Board, a group of volun­teers who are leaders in the community and passionate about The American Can­cer Society. The role of the Unit Operat­ing Board is to be an ambassador of the American Cancer Society in the commu­nity by actively participating in activities, programs and events; by encouraging community support for ACS fundraising events and activities; by encouraging sup­port for the ACS mission to serve cancer patients and survivors through education­al, early detection and patient service pro­grams and activities.The Board serves in an advisory capacity and partners with the staff personnel in the Marco Island office to support the mission of the American Cancer Society.

The Unit Operating Board of Marco Island is currently seven members strong led by our Chair, Dr. Loan Lam. Dr. Lam is a Podiatrist at the Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. She did her residency at the Yale-New Haven Hospital in Connect­icut. In addition to the American Can­cer Society she is active with the YMCA, the Rotary Club, Laces of Love, and The Chamber of Commerce.

Rick Medwedeff is a 30 year vet­eran of the hospitality industry and has been the General Manager of the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort and Spa since 2005. Rick also serves on the Collier County Tourist Development Council, the Collier County Lodging Association and is an advisory board member to FGCU Hospitality School and the Marco Island Academy.

Raymond Jean retired as CEO from Quanex Corporation, a building products company. Ray is a member of the Island Country Club, the Veracruz board and Amsted industries board in Chicago. He enjoys playing golf and tennis.

Gary Landis retired as CEO from Saa­tchi and Saatchi Advertising Agency. Gary is a member of the Island Country Club and is an avid golfer.

Bill Dean is a retired executive from Dean Foods, a dairy products company. As a resident of Hideaway he has been actively involved in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. He spends part of the year in Northern Michigan.

Raul Medina is the VP/Branch Man­ager at Suntrust Bank. He is also active in the Rotary Noontime Club, Habitat for humanity. He developed a leadership class for youth and is the current chair for the 2013 Relay For Life.

Val Simon is the Publisher for the Coastal Breeze and our newest board member. She was previously the Pub­lisher of the Marco Island Sun Times. She moved to Marco Island after spending 10 years in the Cayman Islands. She serves on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, is a member of the Fire Res­cue Foundation and is a board member for the Chamber of Commerce.

These board members work tirelessly to champion the mission of The American Cancer Society and are an invaluable re­source for the community.

If you would like to find out more about The American Cancer Society or would like to volunteer to serve on a committee or as a board member, please contact Lisa Honig at 239-642-8800 ext. 3891.