Donate

2023 Beacon of Hope Award

Congratulations, Nancy!

The BCAN community has spoken and we have a winner! The recipient of the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network’s 2023 Beacon of Hope awards in Nancy Parrish.

Nancy is a bladder cancer survivor and the founder of the North Carolina Bladder Cancer Retreat.

She was nominated by several people whose lives she touched.

Nancy Parrish

One of people who chose Nancy said of her, “She is a bladder cancer survivor herself. Her dedication and love for others is evident from the moment you meet her! She paints and sells rocks to help raise money so that registration for the retreat can cost as little as possible for attendees. You are a stranger only once when you meet Nancy. From then on you are a friend!”

Other deserving nominees:

Two others were finalists for the 2023 Beacon of Hope award: Brian Billings, a bladder cancer survivor, and Dr. Amy Luckenbaugh, Assistant Professor in the Department of Urology and a surgeon at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. 

Brian Billings

One person who nominated Brian said, ““Even more than these amazing things that Brian does,  this is about the person that Brian is. Brian is optimistic, compassionate, fearless and brave. He gives tirelessly to the people in our group. Brian has been a guiding light and mentor to me. He lives the BCAN mission statement every day by uniting all of us around him in support of people impacted by bladder cancer.”

Dr. Amy Luckenbaugh

One of the people who nominated Dr. Luckenbaugh said of her, “She is one of the most selfless people you will meet, and she always goes the extra mile while maintaining a positive and uplifting outlook. Her phenomenal bedside manner undoubtedly comforts her patients and their families through the challenges presented by bladder cancer. She is an inspiration to all of us!”

What is the Beacon of Hope award?

For several weeks, bladder cancer community members nominated their beacons – that special someone who has been a light in the darkness that bladder cancer can bring. For three weeks in May 2023, members of the bladder cancer community voted for one of the three finalists, the person whom they believed is most deserving. Thank you to all who voted.

Read Our Stories