Cancer Society honors game-changers

American Cancer Society volunteers Joanne and Dina Dalessandro of Barrington have been awarded the organization’s prestigious Volunteer of the Year Award by the Illinois Division’s Northwest Suburban Regional Office.

The Dalessandros, co-chairs of the Relay For Life of Barrington, increased revenue 400 percent over last year’s results, by increasing the numbers of participants, teams, sponsorships, committee members and survivors.

“Because of Joanne and Dina Dalessandro, the American Cancer Society can continue to further its mission to save lives and create more birthdays by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back,” said Regional Vice President Kate Monteleone.

In addition, Dina Dalessandro was the recipient of the 2011 award for Leadership in Youth for her remarkable achievement in raising $53,465 for the Relay For Life of Barrington over the past six years.

Madeline May of Des Plaines was honored as the 2011 Ambassador of the Year. An active member of the Northwest Suburban Regional Women’s Cancer Coalition, Health Initiatives Council and Chair of the Community RN Task Force, Madeline is a Medical Ambassador and advocacy volunteer who actively promotes American Cancer Society Initiatives, services and events, while providing trainings on cancer awareness and prevention.

Also honored for their volunteer work surrounding patient services, health initiatives and income development were Ellen Lewkowitz of Arlington Heights, Steve Egan of Rolling Meadows, Susan Barrera of South Barrington, Betsy Kmiecik and Paddock Publishing in Arlington Heights, Nikki Winnikates of Palatine, Don Larsen of Schaumburg, Diane Konieczka of Elk Grove Village, Jeanne Mehan of Des Plaines, Greta Webster of Chicago, Kim Jensen of Arlington Heights and Arlene Bullerman of Arlington Heights.