The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network has planned an award luncheon "to recognize the cancer-fighting leadership of 18-year Congressman Jim Ramstad and third term State Rep. Maria Ruud," according to a Cancer Society news release.

"Congressman Ramstad and Rep. Ruud represent the progress we're making to ensure all Minnesotans have access to life-saving cancer treatments and cost-saving early detection and cancer prevention," said David Arons the Society's director of government relations, in a news release.

The lunch is set for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at Olympic Hills Golf Club, 10625 Mount Curve Road, Eden Prairie.

Speakers include former Eden Prairie Mayor Nancy Tyra-Lukens, American Cancer Society Midwest Division Board; Jari Johnston- Allen, CEO, American Cancer Society Midwest Division; and Elizabeth Kautz, mayor of Burnsville.

The host committee includes U.S. Sen. Rudy Boschwitz, U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen, State Sen. Geoff Michel, Mayor Elizibeth Kautz and former Bloomington Mayor Coral Houle, the release said.

"Congressman Jim Ramstad will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for his 18 years of dedication to fighting cancer through public policy. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee and Health Subcommittee with jurisdiction over health care and Medicare Ramstad fought for seniors' access to oral chemotherapy drugs, colon cancer screenings and helped protect oncology services in Medicare. He helped ensure that women diagnosed with breast and cervical cancer would have access to treatment for the disease, co-sponsored the Colon Cancer Early Detection, Prevention and Treatment Act and co-sponsored historic legislation to grant the FDA regulatory authority over tobacco products," the release said.

"Rep. Maria Ruud, a nurse practitioner, is being recognized as the Legislator of the Year for her leadership as the chief House author of the 2009 Minnesota Colorectal Cancer Prevention Act, a demonstration project that will screen 200 Minnesotans against colorectal cancer – Minnesota’s second leading cause of cancer death. Rep. Ruud helped build a bipartisan coalition in support of this important new initiative that will prevent cancer among those screened and could save the state millions in preventable treatment costs," the release said.