San Leandro Cancer Advocate Receives Award For Volunteer Efforts

SAN LEANDRO, CA — San Leandro resident Beatrice Cardenas-Duncan was awarded Lead of the Year for her volunteer work during a special ceremony held Sunday, Sept. 11, by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

The award is given each year to a lead congressional district volunteer who has “demonstrated remarkable leadership advocating for ACS CAN’s mission priority areas of cancer-related public policy,” the American Cancer Society said in a news release.

“Beatrice is a tireless advocate who speaks out on behalf of all those fighting cancer, both in her community in California and across the country,” ACS CAN President Lisa Lacasse said. “Her outstanding efforts are reflected in her ability to swiftly organize and mobilize a robust team of local volunteers to champion strong and effective public policy proven to end suffering and death from cancer.”

Cardenas-Duncan currently volunteers as a District 13 Legislative Ambassador for ACS CAN, and is a member of the San Leandro Police Chief’s Advisory Board and a member of the San Leandro Tobacco Retail Licensing/Flavors Enforcement work group, the news release said.

She is also former co-chair to the Alameda County Tobacco Control Coalition and former co-chair to Shape Up San Francisco.

Cardenas-Duncan was awarded the Volunteer Service Award by President Barack Obama in 2012 for helping address pressing needs in her community through volunteer work. She was also recognized the San Francisco Board of Supervisors who declared Jan. 12, 2016, as Beatrice Cardenas-Duncan Day for her work to promote racial and health equality.

According to the release, Cardenas-Duncan began pursuing her undergraduate degree at University of San Francisco in 2011 when she was 64 and completed a master’s degree in nonprofit administration at University of San Francisco at 70.

“I am honored and humbled to be recognized by an organization that steadfastly advocates for cancer patients, survivors, and their families,” Cardenas-Duncan said. “My commitment is to help our communities have access to the services and resources they need to thrive and lead healthy lives. My hope is to leave my grandchildren and great-grandchildren a legacy of advocacy they can be proud of and build upon.”

To volunteer or to learn more about ACS CAN, visit them online.