David F. Veneziano, CEO of the California Division of the American Cancer Society, spoke next. He stated that 550,000 people lose their battle to cancer each year. One-third of these cancers deaths are tobacco-related.

Bono Mack has also been involved in legislation aimed at the prevention of cancer. She carried key legislation for children’s health care. She was the first to sign the “Cancer Promise” and is an inspiration for those to working to get children’s health and health care insurance accomplished.

Bono Mack took the stage to accept the American Cancer Society Action Network California Advocacy Leadership Award. She said she was honored to receive this prestigious award. She thanked Marvin and Sally West Brook, noting that they have been friends for a long time. Marvin Brooks was her late husband Sonny Bono's physician and sometimes hers as well. She thanked several other guests too.

Bono Mack joked to Honorary Chairman Bill Powers that he must get honored every day of the week.

The Congresswoman said she has been touched by cancer with family members and friends who lost their battle to cancer. Nothing, she said, is more defining in life when someone is diagnosed with this terrible disease.

She said that government is never proactive; it does not look to the future.

Bono Mack says government needs to be proactive and legislate health benefit costs today and down the road to stay healthy. She said society needs to empower the patient and let them chose their own health care options. Government should not do anything to weaken the right between patient and doctor and slow the fight against knowledge.

For more Pat Krause photos of this event, click here.

For more about Mary Bono Mack, click here.

For more about the American Cancer Society, click here.

For more about the Mission Hills Country Club, click here.