Broward County Lung Cancer Advocate Meets with Congress to Advocate for Lifesaving Research, Public Health Infrastructure and Access to Quality Healthcare

Hollywood resident and lung cancer advocate, Violet Lowrey spoke last week with her members of Congress during the American Lung Association LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day. As a part of the nationwide event, Lowrey joined 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 was 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, Lowrey spoke with representatives from Senator Rick Scott’s, Senator Marco Rubio’s, Congressman Scott Franklin’s, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s, and Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy’s offices 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.

In 2016, Lowrey learned that her mother-in-law, Thelma Lowrey was diagnosed with lung cancer. “Soon after, I got involved with the Lung Association by helping with LUNG FORCE Turquoise Takeover, an initiative that unites women, men, and caregivers to stand together against lung cancer, the leading cancer killer,” shares Lowrey. “My mother-in-law was such a strong supporter of the initiative and the Lung Association. I remember going on several trips shopping to find clothes, jewelry, and all things turquoise for the events. Unfortunately, on Feb. 12, 2020, she lost her battle to this horrible disease, lung cancer. She will live on in our memories and our hearts,” said Lowrey.

“I've signed up to be a part of the LUNG FORCE initiative to make a difference in the lives of people impacted by lung disease. By advocating for more funding, I’m hopeful that my involvement will help advance research further so that others living with lung cancer get a chance to live,” remarks Lowrey, Director of Student Services at Keiser University - Fort Lauderdale Campus.

It is estimated that in 2022 alone, there will be more than 19,560 Florida residents 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 Violet Lowrey 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 Florida

Lowrey encourages others in Broward County 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 Lowrey’s story and the LUNG FORCE initiative at LUNGFORCE.org.

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