Stamford Man Honored with Award from American Cancer Society

The following is a release from the American Cancer Society:

Frank Joseph Mercede of Stamford was awarded the most honored accolade by the New England Division of the American Cancer Society this year. The Sandra C. Labaree Volunteer Values Award recognizes and honors those volunteers whose actions and service in the fight against cancer most exemplify the American Cancer Society’s organizational values -- Mission, Data-Driven, Diversity, Respect and Stewardship.  Nominated by their peers, these awards are very special reminders of the power volunteers have to save lives and reduce suffering from cancer.  

“Our volunteers are the life blood of our organization and each and every one of them is precious to us”, said Michelle Wolf, Vice President of Health Initiatives for the American Cancer Society. This year, 10 Connecticut residents, including Mercede, were recognized by the American Cancer Society New England Division for their outstanding volunteer work in areas of health initiatives, community outreach, programs, services and special events.            

In the last five years, FJ Mercede has exemplified the true meaning of volunteerism through engaging others in the American Cancer Society’s mission. Mercede joined the campaign cabinet for the building of the American Cancer Society Regional Center, C.Anthony and Jean Whittingham Family Building in 2008.

From the moment that he started working with the American Cancer Society, he became a strong ambassador in the real estate and business community. FJ’s leadership has helped the many patients that are currently served at the Regional Center in Norwalk. He has recruited others to the Society through events and donor opportunities which has greatly benefited the number of people the American Cancer Society reaches in Lower Fairfield County.  

“His dedication and time has been pivotal to the success of the cabinet,” explained Gayle Alswanger, Director of Distinguished Giving with the American Cancer Society.    

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.

As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer