Brookline's Hildy Grossman an Honored Recipient at the New England Patriots 2014 Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards

Awareness and Destigmatize Lung Cancer

Upstage Lung Cancer (ULC), a non-profit organization comprised of lung cancer survivors, dedicated physicians, performing artists, friends and family dedicated to fighting lung cancer, and ULC Founder and Artistic Director Hildy Grossman, have been named a recipient of  The Kraft family and New England Patriots Charitable Foundation’s Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards for 2014.  The MVP Awards place a spotlight on those who give their time to help others and exemplify leadership, dedication and a commitment to improving their communities through volunteerism. Annually, the Kraft family and New England Patriots Charitable Foundation host the awards program as part of the ongoing Celebrate Volunteerism initiative in honor of Myra Kraft’s example of being a lifelong volunteer.

On June 9, Grossman, along with 25 other exceptional volunteers, were recognized for their contributions at a luncheon and awards ceremony at Gillette Stadium. Each Community MVP received grants for their respective nonprofit organizations. Twenty six New England based organizations were presented with grants in honor of their volunteers’ work.  Recognized for her tireless efforts for ULC, Grossman received a $5000 grant that will help raise awareness and destigmatize lung cancer, helping fulfill ULC’s mission.

“Every year, we ask New England nonprofit organizations to nominate one volunteer who they consider their MVPs,” said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft.  “This year, we received a record number of nominations from over 400 nonprofits. Their stories are heartwarming and inspirational and narrowing the field to 26 winners gets more difficult every year. As a lifelong volunteer herself, this was always Myra’s favorite event. I am so glad that her legacy continues to live through the great work of all the Myra Kraft Community MVPs.”

“Being selected as a winner of the Myra Kraft Community MVP award is a very moving and meaningful achievement,” said Grossman. “As a lung cancer survivor, I am one of the rare fifteen percent who survive five years. Most people don't realize that lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer. By receiving this award and the attention that comes with it, Upstage Lung Cancer can make even greater strides to help destigmatize lung cancer and gain more public involvement to raise research funding to invest in early diagnosis and new treatments.”

Following her treatment for lung cancer eight years ago, Grossman turned her experiences and passion for theater into a way of supporting lung cancer research. She has been coordinating productions ever since then and each show Grossman puts together includes an educational component so that attendees learn more about lung cancer. Her efforts have helped raise thousands of dollars for research and spread awareness of the disease to thousands of spectators.

On hand to congratulate the award winners was Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft, New England Patriots Charitable Foundation President Joshua Kraft, Pro Football and Patriots Hall of Famer and Patriots Executive Director of Community Affairs Andre Tippett, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo and Patriots alumni and three-time Super Bowl Champion Joe Andruzzi.

 “Upstage Lung Cancer is thrilled that Hildy Grossman, our Founder and Artistic Director, has been chosen as a 2014 Myra Kraft MVP Awardee,” said Crispin Weinberg, Senior Advisor & Director of Upstage Lung Cancer. “We all know Hildy to be an inspirational and tireless volunteer most deserving of this great honor.  The MVP award will contribute immeasurably towards our goal of raising awareness and destigmatizing lung cancer. The public recognition will benefit our small, all-volunteer organization and help our cause grow and gain support. But even more importantly, this award will undoubtedly help many people overcome their fear, learn more, and seek treatment.   On behalf of the people whose lives you are saving by selecting Hildy Grossman as a Myra Kraft MVP, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

The 2014 MVPs represent all six New England states, a variety of nonprofit organizations and range in ages from 13 to 93 years old. Nominations open each spring and for the most up-to-date information, visit www.patriots.com/community.

For more information Upstage Lung Cancer, visit www.upstagelungcancer.org, email info@upstagelungcancer.org, call 617-585-5678, or become a fan on Facebook.