Force of Lung Cancer Advocates Join American Lung Association to Ask Congress to Take Action and Save Lives

Through its LUNG FORCE initiative, the American Lung Association has united our nation to take a stand against lung cancer – the #1 cancer killer. Today, the American Lung Association is leading a force of LUNG FORCE Heroes – those personally impacted by lung cancer – to Capitol Hill during the 4th annual LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day to urge members of Congress to take action and save lives.

“I’m proud to stand alongside these powerful advocates as we bring our message to Congress about how important investments in biomedical research as well as quality and affordable healthcare are, especially for people facing lung cancer,” said American Lung Association President and CEO Harold P. Wimmer. “That’s why we’re gathering with patients and their loved ones from across the nation whose stories and experiences make clear to Congress that more must be done to save lives.”

LUNG FORCE Heroes from each state will share today how lung cancer has affected their lives. Every story is unique, yet each story highlights the importance of investments in research funding and healthcare coverage to ensure that patients can access new lifesaving treatments. The Lung Association’s advocates are also asking members of Congress to support $41.6 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in fiscal year 2019.

“Research saves lives, yet to truly see change, patients need to be able to access research breakthroughs through quality and affordable healthcare,” Wimmer said. “We want to make sure Congress understands why healthcare matters for lung cancer survivors and their caregivers, and to ask them to act to protect patients with pre-existing conditions, including lung cancer.” 

LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day is a rallying moment for the American Lung Association, which is celebrating the fifth year of its strategic cause initiative LUNG FORCE. Since the launch of LUNG FORCE, the Lung Association has successfully advocated for a 69 percent increase in lung cancer research funding at NIH, and since 2015, 21 new lung cancer therapies are on the market benefiting patients.

“I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of new treatments developed through research funding, including a targeted therapy for my specific lung cancer mutation,” said LUNG FORCE Hero Lisa P. from New Berlin, WI. “I am thankful for this treatment, but I know that new lung cancer therapies are needed to benefit all those affected by lung cancer. I’m going to Washington alongside patients from all over the country to advocate for lung cancer patients everywhere, because research saves lives. We are stronger together.”

The American Lung Association and its LUNG FORCE initiative encourage everyone to advocate for lung cancer research funding and quality, affordable healthcare with members of Congress in Washington, D.C. Visit LUNGFORCE.org to learn more about LUNG FORCE and how to contact members of Congress.

Media interested in speaking with a LUNG FORCE Hero or an expert about lung cancer and research funding should contact Allison MacMunn at the American Lung Association at [email protected] or 312-801-7628.