ASCO Honors Diane Zipursky Quale With 2026 Patient Advocate Award

January 16, 2026

National oncology society honors her leadership in advancing bladder cancer advocacy, research and patient support

(Bethesda, MD) Today, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) announced that Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) co-founder Diane Zipursky Quale has been named a recipient of one of its two prestigious 2026 Patient Advocate Awards. The award recognizes individuals whose leadership and dedication have meaningfully advanced cancer care and patient outcomes.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” said Ms. Zipursky Quale.  “I do so humbly while recognizing the collective efforts of the BCAN community: the bladder cancer patients, caregivers, volunteers, clinicians and researchers and so many more who have shaped BCAN over the past 21 years.”     

Ms. Zipursky Quale co-founded BCAN in 2005 with her late husband, John Quale, following his bladder cancer diagnosis. What began as a deeply personal effort has grown into a national organization that supports thousands of patients and families at every stage of their bladder cancer journeys, funds innovative medical research and amplifies the voices of those too often overlooked. This honor reflects not only Diane’s vision, perseverance and determination, but also the shared commitment of a community united by compassion, collaboration and a belief that better outcomes are possible for everyone impacted by bladder cancer.

“This award is a powerful affirmation of Diane’s impact on the bladder cancer community,” said Meri-Margaret Deoudes, CEO of BCAN. “ASCO’s recognition reflects the profound and lasting influence of her work – elevating patient voices, advancing research and ensuring that those facing bladder cancer are seen, heard and supported.”

Throughout her tenure as BCAN’s co-founder and longtime Board of Directors member, Ms. Zipursky Quale helped build enduring partnerships across the cancer community and has served in advisory roles with the National Cancer Institute, academic institutions and leading research organizations. Her work underscores a shared belief that progress in bladder cancer is driven by collaboration—and that lasting impact comes from standing together to improve care, advance science and ensure no one faces bladder cancer alone.

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Founded in 2005, BCAN provides patients with the critical information and community support they need to thrive today – and champions innovative research and responsive national policy to inspire hope for tomorrow.

Contact:
Mark Story
Vice President of Communications and Marketing
[email protected]