Tompos named American Cancer Society lead ambassador in Ohio

  • February 22, 2010
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In recognition of her outstanding leadership and passionate service to the American Cancer Society, Grace Tompos, of Wooster, was recently named the society’s state lead ambassador. She began this volunteer position Feb. 1, and will serve in this capacity for two years. “Grace has been an extraordinary leader and a longtime American Cancer Society and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteer at the local, state and national level,” said John Hoctor, chief government relations officer of the American Cancer Society, Ohio Division. In the role of state lead ambassador she will lead a statewide team of advocacy volunteers to ensure that the American Cancer Society and ACS CAN’s state and federal legislative priorities are met. ACS CAN is the nation’s leading cancer advocacy organization that is working every day to make cancer issues a national priority. ACS CAN is the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society which supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer. Tompos, a 14-year colorectal cancer survivor, decided to join the American Cancer Society to fight for and support cancer patients. “We urge our representatives and senators to not only talk about fighting cancer, but to take real steps toward implementing policy so we can decrease the number of people who suffer and die from this disease,” Tompos said. “It is payback time.” Her first experience with the society was joining a committee for the Daffodils Day campaign. Recently she has been actively involved in the fight against cancer, serving as both legislative ambassador and then as the district ambassador constituent team lead. “She continues to confront cancer issues by working tirelessly to help enact numerous lifesaving laws and policies. This includes helping to pass the Smoke-Free Ohio law and getting tobacco under FDA regulation,” Hoctor added. Tompos has played a crucial role behind other legislative victories and policy success that helps save lives. She collected signatures for Smoke-Free Ohio, educated lawmakers on the importance of breast and cervical cancer screenings and testified before the Senate Health Committee in support of colorectal cancer screening legislation. Recently, she served as an active advocate for access to quality, affordable health care, urging lawmakers to act now, not later, on health care reform. “Grace works jointly with other cancer survivors, caregivers and volunteers to ensure that elected officials across the state and country continue to make cancer-related issues a top priority,” Hoctor said. “She truly understands that communities need to make their voices heard.” Her dedication and accomplishments haven’t gone unnoticed. Last spring, she was recognized for her commitment to the American Cancer Society by receiving the 2009 Capitol Dome award in Columbus. The Capitol Dome award is an annual award that is given to volunteers who demonstrate leadership on high-priority legislative issues concerning the views of the society. Also, Tompos has traveled to Washington, D.C. numerous times to speak and lobby on behalf of the American Cancer Society and ACS CAN. In fact, she was recognized nationally in Washington, D.C. with the ACS CAN Government Relations Team award for her outstanding achievements in the field of public policy. Before retiring in the early 2000’s, Tompos was the executive director of development at The College of Wooster for more than 30 years.


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