As cancer survivors, Avon residents Richard and Jane Lublin are dedicated partners in the fight against cancer. They have donated and helped raise millions of dollars to support cancer treatment and research at the UConn Health Center. In recognition of their extraordinary philanthropic activity, the University of Connecticut's Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center bestowed its highest award – the Medal of Honor – to the couple at its annual White Coat Gala held in April.

Nearly 900 supporters attended the ceremony. UConn President Susan Herbst thanked Richard and Jane Lublin for "giving from the heart" and recognizing that "hope and philanthropy go hand in hand." She noted the couple's "many generous contributions toward cancer research, Bioscience Connecticut, and as title sponsors for five years of the White Coat Gala." Recipients of the prestigious award are selected based on their dedication and legacies in cancer research, education, public service or philanthropy. Much of the Lublins' philanthropic activity has been devoted to cancer and medical research. The couple has committed substantial support to cancer research and treatment at UConn's Health Center. They are founding title sponsors of the White Coat Gala, and have served as title sponsors each year since its inception five years ago.

The Lublins are also annual sponsors of the UConn Cancer Research Golf Tournament, which has raised more than $1.7 million since it began. In 2012, the Lublins made the first philanthropic gift to support Bioscience Connecticut initiatives at the UConn Health Center. In recognition of the couple's generosity, UConn will name the waiting room in the new cancer center in their honor. Richard Lublin accepted the Medal of Honor for he and his wife, Jane. "The act of giving, multiplied many times, can advance research to new levels in our efforts to eliminate cancer," said Richard Lublin. "We've seen what can happen when a great deal of money is given to battle a disease. The AIDS virus was once a death sentence, but adequate funding allowed pharmaceutical companies and the medical profession to develop a treatment that allows patients to go on with their lives. More progress needs to be made with the hundreds of types of cancer. In 1971, President Nixon declared war on cancer by signing the National Cancer Act. Unfortunately, this is a war we are still losing today."