"Today was an honor," Kessel said. "I was grateful to be recognized by the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program and to have my sister, Amanda, here with me. Preventing cancer will always be a cause that's near and dear to my heart."
Kessel underwent surgery for testicular cancer in 2006 when he was a member of the Boston Bruins. He has since gone on to represent the United States in two Olympic tournaments and win back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Penguins.
The "Excellence in Cancer Awareness Award" is awarded annually to an individual who is "dedicated to the prevention and early detection of cancer through screenings and treatments."
Others honored at this year's event were Norah O'Donnell, co-host of "CBS This Morning," and Congressional spouses Kasey Crowley of New York and Helen Green of Texas.
"All of us are so proud of today's honorees, who are each using their platform to inform and educate the public about the importance of early detection and prevention," said Lisa McGovern, executive director of the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program.
Previous honorees have included Senator Bob Dole, actress Jane Seymour, General Norman Schwartzkopf, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, media personalities Katie Couric and Andrea Mitchell, First Lady Barbara Bush and Olympian Scott Hamilton.
