NFLPA’s DeMaurice Smith Honored with Georgetown Lombardi Award for Steadfast Support of Cancer Research
Posted in News Release | Tagged cancer, Georgetown Lombardi, Lombardi Gala, university awards
MEDIA CONTACT
Karen Teber
km463@georgetown.edu
WASHINGTON (August 14, 2018) — Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center has selected DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFL Players Association, to receive its annual leadership award recognizing his unwavering support of the Washington, D.C., cancer center.
The Margaret L. Hodges Leadership Award, presented annually to an outstanding volunteer who has demonstrated sustained commitment to Georgetown Lombardi, recognizes Smith’s multiyear support of the Lombardi Gala, the cancer center’s flagship fundraising event.
“De has been a remarkable friend to Georgetown Lombardi and his support undeniably instrumental in bringing our annual Lombardi Gala to a whole new level of friend-raising and fundraising,” says Louis M. Weiner, MD, director of Georgetown Lombardi. “He brings an unmatched passion and commitment. We’re grateful for De’s many contributions.”
“As a personal witness to the incredible impact that Georgetown Lombardi has on the lives of those affected by cancer, I am extremely honored to receive this award,” Smith said. “I am a firm supporter of their mission and I am proud of the partnership that the NFLPA has forged with Georgetown Lombardi in our continued efforts to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and treatment.”
Smith’s wife, Karen, is a breast cancer survivor. “I’m grateful for the care Georgetown Lombardi provides all its patients.”
Smith has served as honorary chair of the Gala for eight years and facilitated its exponential growth in funds raised for research.
The award will be presented to Smith at the 32nd Annual Lombardi Gala on Nov. 17 by Hodges’ children, Laurie Lapeyre and Dr. Walter Hodges.
About Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center
Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center is designated by the National Cancer Institute as a comprehensive cancer center — the only cancer center of its kind in the Washington, D.C. area. A part of Georgetown University Medical Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Georgetown Lombardi seeks to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer through innovative basic and clinical research, patient care, community education and outreach, and the training of cancer specialists of the future. Connect with Georgetown Lombardi on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgetownLombardi ) and Twitter (@LombardiCancer ).
About Georgetown University Medical Center
Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) is an internationally recognized academic medical center with a three-part mission of research, teaching and patient care (through MedStar Health). GUMC’s mission is carried out with a strong emphasis on public service and a dedication to the Catholic, Jesuit principle of cura personalis — or “care of the whole person.” The Medical Center includes the School of Medicine and the School of Nursing & Health Studies, both nationally ranked; Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, designated as a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute; and the Biomedical Graduate Research Organization, which accounts for the majority of externally funded research at GUMC including a Clinical and Translational Science Award from the National Institutes of Health. Connect with GUMC on Facebook (Facebook.com/GUMCUpdate ) and Twitter (@gumedcenter ). Connect with Georgetown University School of Medicine on Facebook (Facebook.com/somgeorgetown ), Twitter (@gumedicine ) and Instagram (@GeorgetownMedicine ).
About the NFLPA
The National Football League Players Association is the union for professional football players in the National Football League. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players’ interests. The NFLPA has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to assure that the rights of players are protected — including ceasing to be a union, if necessary, as it did in 1989. In 1993, the NFLPA again was officially recognized as the union representing the players, and negotiated a landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFL. The current CBA will govern the sport through 2020. For more information, go to www.nflpa.com.