NCCS Presents 6th Annual Ellen L. Stovall Award to Deborah K. Mayer, PhD, RN, and Kimberly D. Richardson for Their Innovation and Dedication to Cancer Survivors

(Silver Spring, MD) – The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) presented the 6th annual Ellen L. Stovall Awards for Innovation in Patient-Centered Cancer Care on Wednesday, November 17, to Deborah K. Mayer, PhD, RN, and Kimberly D. Richardson.

“Each year, we honor Ellen’s legacy of pioneering innovative, patient-centered cancer care at the Stovall Awards Reception,” said NCCS Chief Executive Officer Shelley Fuld Nasso. “Deborah Mayer and Kimberly Richardson exemplify Ellen’s passion for improving cancer care and empowering cancer survivors. We are deeply grateful for their contributions to science, advocacy, and survivorship care.”

Named in honor of former NCCS CEO Ellen Stovall, who died in 2016 due to long-term complications from three bouts of cancer, the award highlights those who continue Ellen’s work of transforming cancer care to further incorporate patients’ goals, needs, and values. Congressman David Price (NC-04) joined the virtual reception to present the award to Dr. Mayer, and Congressman Danny Davis (IL-07) presented the award to Ms. Richardson.

A breast cancer survivor herself, Dr. Mayer is retiring after a distinguished career. She recently served as the Interim Director of the Office of Cancer Survivorship at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and is the Frances Hill Fox Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Nursing at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Nursing. Dr. Mayer is an advanced practice oncology nurse with more than 45 years of cancer nursing practice, education, research, and management experience.

Dr. Mayer is past president of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), received a presidential appointment to serve on NCI’s National Cancer Advisory Board, and was a member of the Board of Scientific Advisors. She is active in the American Society of Clinical Oncology and previously served as Chair of the society’s Survivorship Committee.

“Dr. Mayer has proven herself as a most impressive leader who continues to transform the cancer care system. I also had the pleasure of meeting Ellen on several occasions during my time at the NIH and, in so many respects, Dr. Mayer embodies the spirit of this award perfectly,” said Dr. Donald L. Rosenstein, who nominated Dr. Mayer. “What I find most impressive about Dr. Mayer is how she marries real-world pragmatism with a deep knowledge of both theory and data. Quite simply, she has impeccable judgment with respect to survivorship program development, training initiatives, and policy development.”

Ms. Richardson, a two-time survivor of both ovarian and breast cancer, was a member of the inaugural group of NCCS Elevate Ambassadors in 2019. She was recently appointed by the Illinois House of Representatives to serve on the Special Commission on Gynecologic Cancers. She holds leadership positions as the founder and organizer of Chicago’s first researcher/survivor summit, newly elected Chair to the Survivorship Committee of the Illinois Comprehensive Care Plan, and Co-Chair of the Patient Advocacy Committee of the Society of Integrative Oncology.

Ms. Richardson is a member of several advisory groups on disparities in ovarian and breast cancer, serves on patient-expert councils for global organizations striving for better outcomes in clinical trials, writes blog posts for the Department of Defense, and advocates at the state and federal level for funding for cancer research.

“Kimberly is a true champion of the patient perspective with a deep understanding of how all stakeholders interact within cancer communities. She approaches her work with a fierce dedication to honor, integrity, and empathy,” said Alicia C. Staley, who nominated Richardson. “Her approach to working with all stakeholders is a masterclass of diplomacy and collaboration. She understands the problems facing the industry and has a creative and tactful way of navigating some of the toughest conversations around access, equity, and equality for cancer care.”

Watch the Full Awards Program

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Founded by and for cancer survivors in 1986, the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship is the voice in Washington, DC, for survivorship issues. NCCS advocates for a cancer care system that prioritizes the needs of all those touched by cancer. NCCS empowers cancer survivors and advocates on their behalf to improve the quality of life and inspire hope for patients and their loved ones.