Atlanta Lung Cancer Survivor To Meet with Congress to Advocate for Lifesaving Research, Public Health Infrastructure and Access to Quality Healthcare

Atlanta resident and lung cancer survivor, Deborah Spector, will speak with her members of Congress during the American Lung Association LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day on April 6, 2022. As a part of the nationwide event, Spector will join more than 50 people across the country who have been impacted by lung cancer to advocate for $49 billion in research funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), $11B in funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and to protect expanded access to quality, affordable healthcare.

Due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 Advocacy Day will be conducted virtually to allow this important message to be heard while also protecting the health and safety of patients and caregivers. During the virtual Advocacy Day, Spector will speak with Congressman Hank Johnson, Senator Jon Ossoff, and Senator Raphael Warnock or their staff to share her personal experience with lung cancer and explain why investments in public health, research funding, and quality and affordable healthcare are important to her.

Nearly five years ago, Spector thought she was in generally good health. Due to a persistent cough which later resolved itself, Spector reached out to her primary care doctor who then ordered a CT scan.  That scan showed Spector had Bronchiectasis tree-in bud patterns with nodules.  A few months later, a needle biopsy confirmed a high probability of lung cancer. Spector was directed to a thoracic surgeon and later had surgery.  

“This started my lifesaving journey,” shares Spector. “Without access to healthcare and insurance, there’s a strong chance that my lung cancer wouldn’t have been detected until it was stage 4. When I woke up from the surgery, I made a commitment to inspire people and to advocate for early detection of lung cancer, better access to treatments and cures, and accessible healthcare to everyone.”

It is estimated that in 2022 alone, there will be more than 7,700 in Georgia diagnosed with lung cancer, but there is hope. More people than ever are surviving lung cancer in part because patients and caregivers are urging their policymakers to take action. That’s why Deborah Spector is sharing her story with lawmakers and others — so that more can be done to help lung cancer patients and their caregivers throughout the United States and in Georgia. 

Spector encourages others in Georgia to advocate for lung cancer research and healthcare protections by contacting their members of Congress, which they can do at Lungforce.org/AdvocacyDay. Learn more about Spector’s story and the LUNG FORCE initiative at LUNGFORCE.org.

For media interested in learning more about LUNG FORCE or scheduling an interview with Deborah Spector or a lung cancer expert, contact Jill Smith at [email protected] or call 704-818-4138.