State Senator Thomas J. Umberg (D – Santa Ana) honors the Vietnamese American Cancer Foundation (VACF) as the 2019 Nonprofit of the Year in recognition of its outstanding record of community support. Upon this occasion, the Non-Profit of the Year Ceremony was held during California Nonprofits Day, today at the California State Capitol. To accept the recognition at the California Capitol on behalf of the VCAF was VACF Executive Director Becky Nguyen, and Board Member Kathleen Nguyen.
Shown left to right: VCAF Board Member Kathleen Nguyen, Executive Director Becky Nguyen, Senator Thomas J. Umberg, and Duong Nguyen (accompanying Becky Nguyen). Courtesy photo.
“It is a distinct honor to recognize all members of the VACF board, staff, and volunteers, in recognition of the great contribution and effectiveness of their support and enhancement to the quality of life of cancer patients over the years,” said Senator Umberg. “Their contributions fighting cancer are greatly commendable. The foundation’s dedication and continued commitment to the treatment, and the hard fight against cancer, helps patients and their loved ones continue to have hopes and dreams.”
Since 1998, the VACF is working diligently in their mission to prevent cancer, improve patient quality of life, and save life through cancer education, research, advocacy, and services in the Vietnamese-American community. The VACF offers its services free of charge to all people regardless of race, ethnicity, social status, gender, age, religion, political affiliation, or sexual orientation- also provide cancer patients and their families with psychosocial support tailored to Vietnamese culture and beliefs.
"We are very happy and honored to be recognized by Senator Umberg and the State of California. Our foundation’s work needs to reach as many people as possible, and any recognition we receive will help do that. This award is beneficial to our community,” said VACF Executive Director Kathleen Nguyen. “Many people in the community should know more about the benefits to receive counseling on cancer, treatment, medical examination for early detection of cancer, mental health support. We do our best to help all people in our Orange County community; of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds.”
The Orange County Vietnamese community is one of the fastest-growing immigrant communities in the United States, with more than 200,000 Vietnamese Americans residing in the area, and similar to other ethnic groups. The community has a specific need for cultural and language-appropriate cancer-related information to address the specific and unique needs of the Vietnamese American community.
Among the programs and services offered by the VACF are community health seminars, physician seminars and training, a weekly cancer education radio show, and educational materials in Vietnamese. They also offer hepatitis B and C screenings, breast and cervical cancer screenings, patient navigation and peer support, question-and-answer sessions, as well as an annual cancer survivor’s celebration dinner, and much more. The VACF has enhanced the quality of life for local residents and instilled a strong sense of pride in the individuals who are associated with it.
Source: Senator Tom Umberg's website