NCCS to Recognize Phuong Gallagher and Mary McCabe, RN, with 2023 Ellen L. Stovall Award

NCCS is pleased to announce the 2023 winners of the Ellen L. Stovall Award for Innovation in Patient-Centered Cancer Care are Phuong Gallagher and Mary McCabe, RN, MA. They will be recognized at the 2023 Ellen L. Stovall Award Reception on Thursday, October 26, 2023.

NCCS presents the Stovall Award annually to two recipients who have improved the care and lives of cancer survivors and their families — one health care professional and one patient advocate or advocacy organization. The selection committee chose from among a highly-qualified group of nominees who embody the essence of the award and Ellen’s passion and advocacy for patient-centered cancer care.

NCCS CEO Shelley Fuld Nasso had the following to say about the 2023 Stovall Award Winners:

“Phuong Gallagher exemplifies the tireless advocacy of Ellen Stovall. Like Ellen, Phuong was diagnosed with cancer as a young adult and used her experience to help others, offering hope and support to newly diagnosed cancer survivors and advocating for patient-centered cancer care. She has a collaborative approach, with a relentless focus on the patient experience, and a special emphasis on young onset colorectal cancer. As a research advocate, she has contributed to research on topics such as sexual health, fertility preservation, palliative care, and quality of life. She draws on her experience as a refugee immigrant, addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as financial toxicity and effective communication. Phuong is passionate, dedicated, and determined, and she is truly deserving of the Stovall Award.”

“Over the course of her distinguished career as a clinician and researcher, Mary McCabe embraced a holistic approach to helping cancer survivors live well during and after cancer treatment. She developed comprehensive survivorship programs and advanced the field of survivorship through research, clinical care, professional training, and education. As a thought leader, she collaborated with professional societies to set standards for survivorship care. She influenced public policy and inspired the next generation of survivorship clinicians and researchers. Even in retirement, Mary continues to share her wisdom and talents, partnering with NCCS to create the Elevating Survivorship program in 2019 and serving as a mentor and coach to Elevate Ambassadors as they work to improve survivorship care in their communities. We are deeply grateful for Mary’s devotion to cancer survivorship and are thrilled to honor Mary with the Stovall Award.”

— Shelley Fuld Nasso, NCCS CEO

We invite you to attend the awards ceremony in Washington, DC on October 26 to recognize these innovative pioneers. Please register for the event and invite colleagues, friends, and family.

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Meet the Awardees

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Phuong Gallagher

Patient Advocate Award
“Phuong’s dedication to infusing the research process with the patient experience has been transformative. She firmly believes that by incorporating the perspectives and needs of cancer patients, we can dramatically improve research and expedite the translation of research results into standard practice. This philosophy has been the driving force behind her advocacy efforts, and she has proven to be a catalyst for change.”

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Mary McCabe, RN, MA

Health Care Professional Award
“Mary’s work has changed the national landscape of how cancer care is understood and delivered. Building on her clinical experience as a nurse and years as a nurse educator, she lent insight and acumen to promote clinical research and educational programs at the National Cancer Institute for over 14 years. The scope of her work in effect has shaped emerging survivorship programs and a new generation of nurses, physicians and related health care professionals now delivering quality care for cancer survivors.”

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