Honoring Ellen Stovall, a Hero in Cancer Advocacy

A note from NCCS CEO Shelley Fuld Nasso:

Dear Friends,

Ellen Stovall, Dr. Richard Pazdur, and Shelley Fuld Nasso

I write to you with the devastating news that the cancer community lost a hero this week. Our dear friend and colleague, Ellen Stovall, passed away on January 5th due to cardiac complications related to her cancer treatments. A 44-year survivor of three cancer diagnoses, Ellen served as the CEO of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) from 1992-2008, and continued as Senior Health Policy Advisor until the time of her death. Over her three decades of advocacy, she served in numerous roles and received many accolades.

Ellen was truly a legend in cancer advocacy. She and her colleagues and collaborators at NCCS pioneered the concept of survivorship. She touched thousands of lives, personally and through her advocacy. She believed in helping cancer survivors live as well as they can, for as long as they can. And she did exactly that in her own life, even if it was shorter than we would all have hoped. It has been a privilege to work with her for the last several years, and I am honored to carry on her legacy at NCCS. Continuing her dedication to make cancer care better for patients and their families is a promise that is personal to me and the entire staff of NCCS.

Over the last few days, I have talked with many of Ellen’s friends and colleagues who have relayed how Ellen touched their lives, supported them through their own cancer journey, encouraged them in advocacy. The outpouring of love and support for Ellen is remarkable, and we are grateful for the support during this difficult time.

NCCS will host a memorial service in Washington, DC to celebrate Ellen in the coming weeks. Details of this event will be announced soon. We hope that you will join us in celebrating the life and work of our friend Ellen.

Thank you,

Shelley Fuld Nasso
Chief Executive Officer
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship