Offices, Awards and Honors
American Cancer Society Honors Sidney C. Roberts, MD, with Lifetime Achievement
Houston—March 24, 2008 - Lufkin resident Sidney C. Roberts, MD, was recently honored with an American Cancer Society Lifetime Achievement award for his 20 years of dedicated volunteer service. Dr. Roberts received recognition at a ceremony near Houston.
Lifetime Achievement awards recognize volunteers in the Society's High Plains Division for their longstanding leadership and commitment to the fight against cancer. Presented annually, six volunteers from the Division, serving a multi-state area that includes Kansas, Hawaii, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas, received honors this year from the Board of Directors. Volunteers qualify for this recognition having served in three or more leadership positions with the Society and having volunteered for 15 years or longer. In addition, awardees consistently demonstrate dedication to the Society's mission.
For the last fourteen years, Dr. Roberts has committed his volunteer time and energy to easing the terrible burden of cancer on patients throughout East Texas. In 2001, Dr. Roberts was serving as Medical Director of the Arthur Temple, Sr. Regional Cancer Center, Chair of the Cancer Committee at Memorial Health System of East Texas, Vice Chief of Staff for the Memorial Health System of East Texas, and president of the Angelina County Unit of the American Cancer Society. As a radiation oncologist, he saw firsthand the daily difficulties faced by those diagnosed with cancer. In order to better assess the varied needs of local patients - and hence develop a plan of action - a detailed study focusing on access to care was conducted. This assessment provided the evidence needed to proceed with the development of the Patient Navigator Program and Susan R. Mathis Resource Center.
Dr. Roberts felt strongly that in order to provide the best possible service to cancer patients that the physical location of a new American Cancer Society building housing the Navigator program and Resource Center needed to be near the cancer center, hospital and physician offices. This resulted in a contribution of prime land in that neighborhood. Ultimately, more than $1.2 million was raised to fund the Resource Center and Patient Navigator Program as well as office space for the American Cancer Society.
Dr. Roberts' leadership in the funding, support and implementation of the Patient Navigator Program in Lufkin was critical in bringing this concept to fruition. This program consists of a Master's Level Oncology Social Worker that serves 14 rural East Texas counties and assists patients in navigating the healthcare system and connects them with resources available in their communities. The Patient Navigator Program also addresses disparities by ensuring equal access to healthcare and information and is serving more than 40 percent of patients diagnosed with cancer in the area.
"I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Roberts for many years," said Letha Tullos, vice president for the American Cancer Society East Texas Region. "His dedication and efforts have helped to ease the suffering of many patients facing cancer in our community."
In 2006, Dr. Roberts was recognized with the St. George National Award which is the highest award the national Society bestows upon a state-level volunteer.
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.
American Cancer Society Recognizes Texas Volunteer with St. George National Award
Austin—November 17, 2006 - The American Cancer Society recognized Sidney C. Roberts, MD of Lufkin, with the prestigious St. George National Award. The St. George Award is the highest award that the national board of directors of the American Cancer Society bestows upon a state-level volunteer.
Each year, the St. George Award is presented to an outstanding American Cancer Society Division volunteer in recognition of distinguished service to the Society. To be nominated for the national award, a volunteer must have served in a leadership position with the Society for a minimum of six continuous years and made a significant impact on, and contributed to the furtherance of the Society's strategic goals and mission-driven programs. The volunteer must have represented the American Cancer Society in a manner that advances the cause, and demonstrated a continuing commitment to the Society through a willingness to serve.
For the last fourteen years, Dr. Roberts has committed his volunteer time and energy to easing the terrible burden of cancer on patients throughout East Texas. In 2001, Dr. Roberts was serving as Medical Director of the Arthur Temple, Sr. Regional Cancer Center, Chair of the Cancer Committee at Memorial Health System of East Texas, Vice Chief of Staff for the Memorial Health System of East Texas, and president of the Angelina County Unit of the American Cancer Society. As a radiation oncologist, he saw firsthand the daily difficulties faced by those diagnosed with cancer. In order to better assess the varied needs of local patients - and hence develop a plan of action - a detailed study focusing on access to care was conducted. This assessment provided the evidence needed to proceed with the development of the Patient Navigator Program and Susan R. Mathis Resource Center.
Dr. Roberts felt strongly that in order to provide the best possible service to cancer patients that the physical location of a new American Cancer Society building housing the Navigator program and Resource Center needed to be near the cancer center, hospital and physician offices. This resulted in a contribution of prime land in that neighborhood. Ultimately, more than $1.2 million was raised to fund the Resource Center and Patient Navigator Program as well as office space for the American Cancer Society.
Dr. Roberts' leadership in the funding, support and implementation of the Patient Navigator Program in Lufkin was critical in bringing this concept to fruition. This program consists of a Master's Level Oncology Social Worker that serves 14 rural East Texas counties and assists patients in navigating the healthcare system and connects them with resources available in their communities. The Patient Navigator Program also addresses disparities by ensuring equal access to healthcare and information and is serving more than 40 percent of patients diagnosed with cancer in the area.
"I am blessed to work in a community where individuals and foundations are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and help one another," Dr. Roberts said. "I could not and did not do this alone. I am honored to be recognized for such a prestigious award, and feel that this really acknowledges an entire community of volunteers and supporters of the American Cancer Society over many years." As a radiation oncologist, Dr. Roberts is dedicated to serving the needs of the patient. "He understands that cancer is not just a medical condition, but encompasses many psychosocial issues and works hard to ensure the whole patient is treated," said Letha Tullos, vice president for the East Texas Region for the American Cancer Society. "Dr. Roberts has never declined an opportunity to assist the American Cancer Society in meeting our mission, whether in involves educating the community, serving patients, or helping us meet our financial needs."
Butch McMullen Silver Spike Award
The Leadership Lufkin alumni presented the prestigious Butch McMullen Silver Spike award for 2006 to Emily Watts at the July First Friday Luncheon at Crown Colony Country Club.
Watts currently serves on nine boards, including Hospice in the Pines, Drug Free Business Task Force, and Pride Providers. She was a founding member of the Angelina Arts Alliance and currently serves as president of that board.
According to Dr. Sid Roberts, presenter of the Silver Spike Award to Watts, "Emily is one of the most incredible people I know. Her constant smile, cherry attitude and 'can do' spirit are infectious. When she is involved in an organization, it is never in name only. She often takes the leadership reins and leaves her mark in a positive way."
Watts also has served and volunteered with the Chamber Coalition for a Better Community, Angelina Beautiful/Clean, Boys and Girls Club, Leadership Lufkin, American Heart Association, Museum of East Texas, Lufkin's First Baptist Church, and the Tri-Ethnic Board.
She is also very involved with the Junior League of Lufkin, having previously served as secretary, president-elect, and president of the organization. She was awarded the JLL Volunteer of the Year Award in 2000 and the JLL Sustainer of the Year Award in 2006.
Watts, who resides in Lufkin, is the Personnel Director for Brookshire Brothers Food and Pharmacy. She has two children, Chip and Lindsey. The Silver Spike award is named in honor of Butch McMullen, who was a graduate of one of the first Leadership Lufkin classes. The Silver Spike is designed to honor a body of work over time that demonstrates great leadership qualities.
Previous Silver Spike Winners are:
1991 - Trey Henderson
1992 - Sheila Telford
1993 - Dr. Patricia McKenzie
1994 - Ronnie Robinson
1995 - Kevin Smithhart
1996 - Bettie Williams
1997 - Connie Kennedy
1998 - David Perkins
1999 - Patricia Jones
2000 - Dr. Sidney Roberts
2001 - Bonnie Denmon
2002 - Debbie NewsonĘ
2003 - Randy George
2004 - Todd Kassaw
2005 - Andra Self
2006 - Emily Watts