American Lung Association & New York State Cancer Consortium Present 1st Trevor Summerfield Lung Cancer Advocacy Award Posthumously

The New York State Cancer Consortium’s Lung Cancer Screening Action Team in partnership with the American Lung Association in New York, is honored to announce the creation of the Trevor Summerfield Lung Cancer Advocacy Award, established in memory of a beloved colleague, advocate, and friend.

Trevor Jon Summerfield, of Albany, New York, was born on December 2, 1983, in Amsterdam, NY, and raised in Canajoharie. A proud graduate of Canajoharie High School and The College of Saint Rose, Trevor dedicated his life to public service and health advocacy. His career included leadership roles at the National Veterans Business Development Council and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention before joining the American Lung Association, where he served as Director of Advocacy for New York and Vermont. (Trevor pictured left, downloadable image here).

In his nearly four years with the Lung Association, Trevor worked passionately to advance lung health, improve access to screening and treatment, and elevate the voices of those affected by lung disease. As a key partner to the New York State Cancer Consortium’s Lung Cancer Screening Action Team, he helped shape critical legislative efforts and empowered advocates across the state.

The new award was presented posthumously to Trevor as its first recipient and will continue in recognition of his passion and dedication in advocacy related to lung cancer screening and the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. The award was presented to Trevor’s parents, Lesley and William Summerfield at their home in Canajoharie, New York on February 9, 2026. (Pictured right, left to right, William and Lesley Summerfield downloadable image here).

“Trevor’s work touched countless lives—from Albany to his hometown of Canajoharie and far beyond,” said Michael Seilback, AVP, Nationwide Advocacy, State Public Policy for the American Lung Association. “He was not only a passionate and effective advocate, but also a great teammate, a loyal friend, and a truly remarkable person. We’re proud to carry his legacy forward through this award and the continued work he cared so deeply about.”

Trevor passed away on August 30, 2024, at age 40, surrounded by his family. This award honors not only his professional accomplishments, but also the heart, humility, and humanity he brought to everything he did.