2 min read

TOPSHAM – Janet Miles of Livermore was awarded the Sandra C. Labaree Volunteer Values Award by the American Cancer Society’s New England Division.

The volunteer-based organization each year accepts nominations for the award, named in honor of the late Sandra C. Labaree, a longtime American Cancer Society volunteer from Damariscotta and a founding member of the New England Division board of directors. The awards recognize and honor New England volunteers whose actions and service in the fight against cancer most exemplify the society’s organizational values.

This year, five outstanding society volunteers from Maine were selected to receive this award. Going above and beyond the call of duty to extend the “warm hand of service” to cancer patients is a top priority for these dedicated individuals.

Miles, a cervical cancer survivor, uses her voice as an advocate to reach out to others and make an impact in Maine. She is a volunteer with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society. ACS CAN is the nation’s leading cancer advocacy organization that is working every day to make cancer issues a national priority.

After losing her brother to cancer, Miles knew she had to fight back, not only for herself, but also for her brother and her grandmother who died from cancer several years before. Miles will tell you that she is not a natural public speaker. Yet she has stepped out of her comfort zone on numerous occasions to share “her story” of how cancer has touched her life with our local, state, and federal lawmakers. At congressional visits, she knows just what to say to give a face to cancer and tug on the heartstrings of busy legislators. Miles has participated in the National ACS CAN Lobby Day in Washington, D.C. for several years and was a Celebration on the Hill Ambassador in 2006.

Miles is also an active member of the planning committee for the Relay For Life of Androscoggin County.

Other Sandra C. Labaree award winners in Maine this year include Claire Breton of Lewiston, Maria Philbrook of Scarborough, Mari Hoell of Kittery, Peggy Mast and Nancy Damiani of Brunswick and Valerie Clark of Topsham.

Comments are no longer available on this story