TOP NEWS
LUNG FORCE Heroes Advocate for Lung Cancer Funding, Affordable Healthcare Coverage
Our LUNG FORCE Heroes—people impacted by lung cancer—traveled to Washington, DC, for our 11th LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day to urge Congress to increase federal funding for lung health research and other programs and protect affordable healthcare for all. “Lung cancer is a devastating disease that impacts far too many families,” said American Lung Association President and CEO Harold Wimmer in a news release. “But thanks to the courageous advocacy of our LUNG FORCE Heroes, who are using their voices to inspire action, we have made significant strides to defeat this disease.”
Since the start of LUNG FORCE in 2016, our events and efforts have raised more than $35 million for lung cancer research, helping to support the development of 75 new lung cancer treatments and contributing to a 52% increase in the five-year lung cancer survival rate over the past decade.
- Read more about Advocacy Day and our LUNG FORCE Heroes.
- Take action: Contact your Senators and U.S. Representative and ask them to support increased funding and affordable health care.
- Join LUNG FORCE.
Our FY2025 Annual Report: Spotlighting our Lasting Impact on Lung Health
Amid the challenges of the past year—including shifts in federal policy and major funding cuts—the Lung Association continues to play a vital and driving role in improving lung health and saving lives. Our FY2025 Annual Report highlights our tireless efforts to protect federal funding and affordable healthcare, advance critical research, support people living with lung disease, and champion clean air and tobacco quit and prevention programs. Read our FY2025 Annual Report.
Events
Our Cycle For Air Events Kick Off in May
The Lung Association is hosting five bike treks this year—in Alaska, Florida, Oregon, Maine and Massachusetts. These unique fundraisers offer participants a one-of-a-kind experience, to cycle through some of the most beautiful parts of the country, all while supporting lung disease education, research, advocacy and clean air programs.
Here’s the schedule:
- May 9--Clean Air Challenge in Talkeetna, Alaska
- May 16--Reach the Beach in Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon
- June 19-21—Trek Across Maine, covering 180 miles over three days.
- September 25-27—Autumn Escape Bike Trek in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
- October 17—Gulf Coast Bike Trek, along the Pinellas trail in Dunedin and Tarpon Springs, Florida.
Register and read more about our 2026 Cycling Events.
From a Devastating CPAM Diagnosis to Climbing with Hope
Ashley’s son, Luke, was diagnosed before birth with a congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM), a rare, non-cancerous growth in one or more lung lobes that can cause difficulty breathing and increase the risk of respiratory infections. Today, Luke is an active 10-year-old, joining his mom and family each year at one of our Fight For Air Climb events. Read Ashley and Luke’s story.
You can support our lung health education, research and advocacy programs by participating in one of our Fight For Air Climb Events. Find your Climb.
Your Health
Moving Past the Stigma Associated with COPD
“You did it to yourself.” This is one of the comments that patients who are diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often hear because of the stigma the disease currently carries. Whether because of socioeconomic status or tobacco dependence, many patients struggle to manage the emotional effects of a diagnosis that they believe is their fault. In truth, anyone can develop COPD, and nobody deserves it, regardless of their smoking history. Karen Johnson, a respiratory therapist and a Better Breathers Club facilitator, explains how a greater understanding of the disease can help break down barriers for people with COPD. Read more.
Protecting Your Lungs from Microplastics
Microplastics are impossible to avoid in the modern world. They are in the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and the air we breathe. And science is just beginning to understand the damage these tiny, plastic fragments can do to the human body. Rebecca Florsheim, MD, a research physician specializing in internal and preventive medicine, is currently focused on studying how micro and nano-plastics impact our health. Read more.
Research
Our Funded Research: Strengthening the Immune System’s Fight Against Cancer
Rebecca Obeng, MD, PhD, MPH, of Case Western Reserve University, recently published results from a Lung Association-funded study, in the journal Genes & Disease. Exploring ways to improve cancer immunotherapy, Dr. Obeng and her team investigated a long-acting form of the immune-boosting protein IL-7, called NT-I7, in a lung cancer model. They found that NT-I7 treatment increased the number of “stem-like” CD8 T cells—immune cells that help drive successful responses to immunotherapy—and improved overall survival. The treatment also promoted the formation of immune cell clusters in the tumor, suggesting stronger local immune activity. These findings indicate that combining NT-I7 with existing PD-1-targeted therapies could further enhance treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
Advocacy
Health Groups Sue EPA over Rollback of Power Plant Pollution Limits
The Lung Association recently joined the American Academy of Pediatrics and other prominent health organizations in filing a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) repeal of 2024 limits on mercury and air toxics from power plants. The EPA’s action will “allow more toxic pollution to impact the health and well-being of children throughout the United States,” said Harold Wimmer, in a press release. “This will expose more communities to mercury and other toxic pollutants, leading to brain development impacts, asthma attacks, cancers and premature deaths.” Read more.
Each Breath Blog
Returning Home to Transform Lung Cancer Care
At a professional crossroads in 2022, thoracic surgeon Taryne A. Imai, MD—then clinical chief at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles—made the decision to return to her home state of Hawaii after our “State of Lung Cancer” report showed the state ranking last in lung cancer diagnosis rates. Today, with support from the Lung Association, she is helping to reshape the future of lung cancer care across Hawaii. Read Dr. Imai’s story.
Blog last updated: April 13, 2026
