Lung Cancer Survivors to Meet with Colorado Lawmakers to Advocate for Change

Local residents Michelle Alarid and Jaime Rippy have something in common; they were both diagnosed with and survived lung cancer and are now taking action for change. Today, March 17, they will meet with members of Congress to raise awareness about the disease and demand action. 

Through the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative, Alarid and Rippy will join others personally affected by lung cancer to advocate for $46.1 billion in funding at the National Institutes of Health, $10 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, adequate and accessible healthcare. 

Alarid, an Operation Desert Storm veteran, battled with lung cancer for five years. Jamie Rippy, a mother of two, has survived the disease since she was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018 at the age of 32.

Due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Advocacy Day event will be conducted virtually to allow this important message to be heard while also protecting their health and safety of patients and caregivers. 

During the virtual Advocacy Day, Alarid and Rippy will meet with members of the Colorado Congressional delegation 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. 
 
It is estimated that in 2021 alone, there will be more than 2,500 people in Colorado diagnosed with lung cancer and 1,300 will succumb to the disease. But more people than ever are living with lung cancer in part because survivors are sharing their stories and policymakers are taking action in response. That’s why Alarid and Rippy are sharing their 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 Colorado.

They encourage others in Colorado to advocate for lung cancer research and healthcare protections by contacting their members of Congress. Learn more about her story and the LUNG FORCE initiative at LUNGFORCE.org.