Northern Nevada Children's Cancer Foundation project manager Elizabeth "Lizzie" Dalton has been recognized as the University of Nevada, Reno's Nevada Alumni Association's Outstanding Young Alumnus for 2012.

Dalton received the award Thursday, Oct. 4, at the University's annual homecoming gala, held at the Joe Crowley Student Union.

"I am honored to receive the alumnus award as a result of my work with the Northern Nevada Children's Cancer Foundation," Dalton said. "Working with the courageous young patients of our community has been a life-changing experience for me that has taught me to treasure the important things in life and to disregard the small inconveniences we sometimes face."

Dalton has worked with hundreds of local families facing childhood cancer and traveled to our nation's capital five times in recent years to meet with lawmakers to discuss cancer research legislation and the issues facing families affected by cancer.

In 2006, she was hired as the executive director for the Keaton Raphael Memorial in Reno, where she served as a childhood cancer advocate, focusing on family support and fundraising for financial assistance and research funds.

Three years later, the charity merged with the Angel Kiss Foundation to become the Northern Nevada Children's Cancer Foundation, where she currently is working as project manager, helping to oversee the logistics for the foundation's fundraising events.

During her tenure with the charities, she helped to raise $1.2 million for childhood cancer research through the foundation's annual St. Baldrick's head-shaving events.

"When I think of the overwhelming challenges our kids and teens face in their cancer fight, I'm humbled by the opportunity to carry out the work needed to help them and their families," Dalton said. "I'm so proud to be part of an organization that cares so much for these families."

Lizzie, who graduated from the University in 2003 with a bachelor's of science degree in conservation biology through the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources, is married to Patrick Dalton and is the mother of twins. She was recognized at the gala among a high-caliber group of local community members such as KTVN Channel 2's Wendy Damonte, former Leonette Foundation chairman Richard Kwapil, Sigmund Rogich of the Rogich Communications Group, and Alumnus of the Year Rick Sontag, founder of Unison Industries.

"It has been an honor and pleasure to work with Lizzie over the past seven years," said the foundation's executive director Debbie Strickland. "It was great to see her recognized for what she adds to this charity and our community."

The Northern Nevada Children's Cancer Foundation is the only local nonprofit solely dedicated to serving local children and their families affected by childhood cancer. The foundation's programs and services include the Family Assistance Fund, the Inspire survivorship program, emotional support, annual fundraisers and the holiday Adopt-a-Family program. For more information, call (775) 825-0888 or e-mail info@nvchildrenscancer.org.