Southern California Professional Athletes Join Together for a Star-Studded Talent Show
Featuring players from various sports clubs to raise awareness and critical funds to ensure lung health for all.
What is Champions Unite?
Champions Unite is a one-of-a-kind off-field talent show to support lung health for all, including overcoming COVID-19, tobacco control, youth anti-vaping and clean air – because when you can't breathe, nothing else matters.
Summer 2022
6:00 p.m. PST: Game Time
Questions? Email us at [email protected]
Host & Celebrity Ambassadors
Shantel VanSanten
Actress, philanthropist, and lung health advocateAmerican Lung Association in Los Angeles, California Board Member
Shantel VanSanten lost her grandmother, Doris Dooyema, to lung cancer brought on by radon exposure. Her mission is to eradicate lung cancer through research, awareness, education, and impressive fundraising. She and her #TeamDD members have raised a staggering $177,174 to support the Lung Association’s mission of lung health for all.
Tony Gwynn Jr.
Voice of the Padres and Former Major League Baseball OutfielderAmerican Lung Association in San Diego, California Board Member
Tony Gwynn Jr. and his father, Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn, shared a lot. Besides having the same name and a deep love for baseball and the San Diego Padres, they also both struggled with asthma. Tony realized that if his dad could play baseball, he too could achieve his major league dreams. And he did. Along with his fellow Board Members, he stands strong with the Lung Association to ensure that our communities of color can live and breathe easier.
Trusted Champion Honorees
We are proud to honor these trailblazers leading the way in protecting lung health and clean air for all:
City of Hope
Dr. Ravi Salgiaand the Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research
Arthur & Rosalie Kaplan Chair in medical oncology at City of Hope's comprehensive cancer center, leading over 100 medical oncology faculty as professor and chair of the Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research.
Lynn Valbuena
Chairwoman of the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations, and of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
Lynn has been active in state and national Native American affairs over a career that began in 1974. She is passionate about making a difference in communities everywhere including ensuring health equity and health access for all, especially providing American Indians with adequate healthcare to face the pandemic and other health challenges.
To inquire about making a tribute gift to celebrate our 2022 Trusted Champion Honoree(s) please contact: [email protected]
A Win for Lung Health
When you reserve your spot and support Champions Unite, you help drive the American Lung Association’s lifesaving mission forward.
2022 Talent Show Line Up is Taking Shape
Singing, dancing, talents of the mind – who will do what? Stay tuned for more updates!