Assemblywoman Patty Berg of California's 1st Assembly district honored Sara O'Donnell with the 2008 Woman of the Year award. "Watching members of her family die from cancer and her own diagnosis of cancer, Sara has set out to change the world," said Berg, D-Eureka. "O'Donnell's life journey embodies those qualities that I honor: courage, commitment and the will to succeed against all possible odds."

From Left: Assemblywoman Patty Berg, CRCMC Executive Director Sara O'Donnell, and Assembly Speaker-Elect Karen Bass.

"Her devotion to helping cancer patients and their families is boundless," said Berg. "Sara is an inspiration to all of us."

O'Donnell applauded by the assembly in Sacramento on March 10th.

The Woman of the Year ceremony is an annual commemoration to recognize extraordinary women in California in honor of Women's History Month. Each state legislator picks an honoree in his or her district to commemorate Women's History Month. The honoree receives recognition in the Assembly Chambers and spends the day with their legislator. "Patty was wonderful," said O'Donnell, "Introducing me to everyone I should know, talking policy with me, and all the time making me feel like I was the most special woman on the face of the earth. It was a day to remember!"

For more information about Assemblywoman Patty Berg, visit her website.

(Text taken from Ukiah Daily Journal staff article on 3/11/08.)