CHICAGO, IL | March 30, 2022
Wheaton resident David Bein lost his beloved wife, Carol, after a long bout with lung cancer. Now, he will meet with his members of Congress and explain why investments in public health, research funding and quality, affordable healthcare are important to him during the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day on April 6, 2022.
“I am honored to have the chance to support the important mission of the Lung Association to defeat lung cancer so that one day, no families need to be devastated from loss, and so that no one, including young mothers like my wife, will die from this terrible disease,” said Bein.
While pregnant with the couple’s youngest child, Eva, Carol was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. Eva was induced early to allow Carol’s treatments to start as soon as possible. Because of the research into lung development and treatment, supported by the Lung Association, Eva successfully grew and thrived. After multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, Carol eventually died in May of 2004 of cancer that had spread to her lungs.
As a part of the nationwide event, Bein 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, $11 billion in funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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, Bein will speak with Senator Tammy Duckworth’s office, Senator Dick Durbin’s office and Representative Sean Casten’s office and share his personal experience of losing his wife to lung cancer.
It is estimated that in 2022 alone, there will be 9,440 people in Illinois 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 Bein is sharing his 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 Illinois.
Bein encourages others in Illinois to advocate for lung cancer research and healthcare protections by contacting their members of Congress at Lungforce.org/AdvocacyDay. Learn more about Bein’s story and the LUNG FORCE initiative at LUNGFORCE.org.
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The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.
LUNG FORCE is a national movement led by the American Lung Association to unite our nation in our efforts to defeat lung cancer, the #1 cancer killer of women and men. LUNG FORCE has three priorities: 1) Make lung cancer a cause that people care about – and act on; 2) Educate and empower patients and healthcare providers and 3) Raise critical funds for groundbreaking lung cancer research. The American Lung Association's LUNG FORCE is nationally presented by CVS Health. Find out more at LUNGFORCE.org.
For more information, contact:
Dana Kauffman
312-940-7624
[email protected]
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