Amore Named 2016 Inductee into American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Rhode Island Cancer Caucus

PROVIDENCE - Representative Gregg Amore (D – District 65) was honored as the 2016 inductee into the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Rhode Island Cancer Caucus, a prestigious honor bestowed by ACS CAN in recognition of his commitment to promoting legislation that improves the lives of cancer patients.

The purpose of the Cancer Caucus is to honor Rhode Island lawmakers whose service in the fight against cancer most exemplifies ACS CAN’s organizational values, working to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. A perpetual plaque hangs in the lobby of the American Cancer Society Warwick office with the names of those lawmakers inducted into the Cancer Caucus.

“Rep. Amore has been a leading voice in the legislature for those suffering from cancer here in the Ocean State,” said Susan Roberts, Rhode Island government relations director for ACS CAN. “His actions have demonstrated his commitment to fighting cancer through public policy, and we look forward to continuing to work together to save lives in Rhode Island.”

In 2013, Rep. Amore championed a bill requiring health plans to cover oral treatments for cancer at a rate comparable to standard intravenous chemotherapy. Since the passage of Rep. Amore’s bill, the legislation has saved cancer patients thousands of dollars for a treatment that serves the same purpose as the intravenous form. It also recognizes the growing range of oncology drugs and leaves room for medical advances in oral treatments.

"Unfortunately we are all touched, in some way, by this hideous disease,” said Rep. Amore. “I am humbled and inspired by the courage I have witnessed by so many who have battled and continue to battle cancer. I am proud that I could play a small public policy role in assisting in that battle and honored to be inducted into the Rhode Island Cancer Caucus."

ACS CAN applauds Rep. Amore’s determination to enact meaningful legislation that benefits public health and saves lives from cancer in Rhode Island.

ACS CAN is the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate organization of the American Cancer Society, dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage lawmakers, candidates and government officials to support laws and policies that will make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer. For more information, visit www.acscan.org.