In recognition of her continuing efforts in the fight against cancer, Susan Kozar, RN, nurse manager of the 7-East Inpatient Oncology Unit at Monongahela Valley Hospital, has been honored as a 2007 recipient of the American Cancer Society’s Advocacy Merit Award.

The award is given in recognition of an individual’s involvement with the American Cancer Society’s mission to create legislative changes affecting cancer awareness and research.

“This is a distinctive honor for Susan and a reflection on her commitment to the goals and ideals of the American Cancer Society, to our health system’s myriad oncology programs and, more important, to her patients,” Josephine Fletcher, RN, senior vice president for nursing services at Monongahela Valley Hospital, said. “Susan has been an asset to our hospital throughout her career. She epitomizes the qualities that are at the heart of the nursing profession – experience, expertise, knowledge and compassion.”

In presenting the award to Mrs. Kozar, the ACS said she “has put her heart and soul into advocation for the mission” of the American Cancer Society.

Mrs. Kozar serves as Advocacy chairperson for the annual Monessen Relay For Life, “keeping the Relay participants and committee updated on key issues,” the ACS said.

As a member of the Washington Unit Leadership Council, she “encourages the other leaders to contact their legislators as needed” regarding cancer issues, the ACS continued.

“And as a Community Ambassador and Lapel Award recipient, she recruits for ACS CAN (Cancer Action Network),” the Society said.

In addition to her advocacy efforts for the American Cancer Society, Mrs. Kozar serves as team captain for Monongahela Valley Hospital’s Relay For Life team. She also coordinated the annual Daffodil Day celebration and sale at the hospital and serves as the MVH facilitator for the ACS programs I Can Cope and Look Good, Feel Better.

Mrs. Kozar also has been involved with support groups focused on cancer awareness and survival at Monongahela Valley Hospital. She also was instrumental in the 2005 Celebration Of Life honoring cancer survivors at MVH. In 2004, she was a hospital representative in its partnership with the U.S. Postal Service to enhance the fight against breast cancer. In that program, she appeared at post offices in Dunlevy, Allenport and Roscoe to discuss the importance of regular breast examinations for women and to distribute information to customers at the sites.

She also has participated in community wellness screenings and educational programs presented by the hospital.

Mrs. Kozar joined the Monongahela Valley Hospital nursing team in 1999 as a staff nurse on the 6-West medical/surgical unit. She was named a nursing supervisor in 2001 and became nurse manager of the Inpatient Oncology Unit in 2004.

A graduate of the nursing program at the South Campus of Community College of Allegheny County, she also has experience as a nursing supervisor with the HealthPlus home care nursing services and as a staff nurse with Mercy Behavior Health in Monongahela.

She and her husband Michael reside in Monongahela and are the parents of a daughter, Erica Watson of Virginia, and a son, Jason Kozar.