EMILY COURIC PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
Los Angeles Kings
This award is a tribute to Emily Couric, a Virginia Democratic state senator who died of pancreatic
cancer in 2001 at age 54. A strong and effective advocate for public education and health care issues,
Emily helped to pass the Virginia Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative to support research and
rehabilitation for victims of spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. She was also instrumental
in passing the nation’s first state law mandating health insurance coverage for colorectal cancer
screenings following the death from colon cancer of her sister Katie Couric’s husband, Jay Monahan.
The award honors an individual or organization who, in a public role, exemplifies the dedication to
others as seen in the life and work of Emily Couric.