May 18, 2009
MTCCC Names Great Falls Woman for
Bette Bohlinger Leadership Award
Betsy Smith, a genetics counselor at the Benefis Health System Sletten Cancer Institute in Great Falls, Mont. will be awarded the annual 2009 Bette Bohlinger Leadership Award Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 2 p.m.
The presentation will take place during the Montana Cancer Control Coalition (MTCCC) annual statewide meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn in Great Falls.
Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger will be on hand to present the award to Smith.
Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Anna Whiting Sorrell said the department is honored the tradition to recognize Bette continues. “Bette was such an inspiration to us all and set an amazing example for everyone to follow,” Whiting Sorrell said.
Smith is the chair of the MTCCC communication committee and spearheaded the development of the coalition’s website: www.mtcancercoalition.org.
“She has risen to many challenges over her many years of active participation in the MTCCC coalition,” said Ginny Furshong of the Comprehensive Cancer Control Program for the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). “She is welcoming to new members, respectful of others, professional, and shows a true desire in helping reduce the impact cancer has on Montana citizens. She displays great leadership in every aspect and venture she pursues.”
Smith joins previous recipients Sue Warren in 2008, Rita McDonald in 2007, and Dr. Barbara Lloyd in 2006.
Bette Bohlinger died of acute myeloid leukemia in 2006 and following her passing the coalition created the award to honor an exceptional individual or organization that encourages, inspires, and leads others within the group. John is a prostate cancer survivor and both of his parents died of cancer. “It’s so important to share our cancer experiences as a way to give others hope and strength in their time of need,” John said.
The MTCCC coalition, in partnership with DPHHS, was created in 2003 to educate Montana residents about cancer prevention. The group is comprised of dozens of organizations and over 180 state health advocates with the common mission to reduce the overall burden of cancer for Montanans.
This year, the MTCCC is focusing their prevention efforts on colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer deaths in Montana. Colorectal cancer is 90 percent treatable when detected early and screening is recommended for everyone over age 50. Most colorectal cancers start as non-cancerous growths in the lining of the colon or rectum. Testing often finds these polyps that allow removal before they turn cancerous.
The MTCCC statewide meeting educational symposium will focus on the colorectal cancer continuum including prevention, treatment options, and survivorship.
In a related event, MTCCC, in partnership with The Prevent Cancer Foundation, is hosting The Super Colon at the Hilton Garden Inn in Great Falls on May 20. A walk-through, 20-foot replica of a human colon will educate participants on colorectal cancer and the importance of prevention efforts.
For more information about these events call Strike at 406-444-6089.
Page last updated: 05/18/2009
