Next Week: Lung Cancer Survivor Celebrates One Year Cancer Free by Stair Climbing Jacksonville Skyscraper

As the local director of development at the American Lung Association, Cindy Springer is focused on improving the lives of people living with lung disease. She raises critical funds for the organization’s work and has led four local Fight For Air Climbs. But this year’s Climb has taken on a new meaning, and she’s been working tirelessly, pulling from a seemingly bottomless well of passion. That’s because this month marks one year since Springer’s lifesaving surgery—one that was completely unexpected.

In January 2023, Springer eagerly volunteered in a lung health study to play a small role in deepening the medical community’s understanding of lung health and lung disease. She never expected that at 35, with no risk factors and no symptoms, she’d be diagnosed with Stage I lung cancer.

Springer’s team of doctors Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center acted quickly. In March 2023, she underwent surgery to have the right upper lobe of her lung removed, as well as 27 regional lymph nodes. In the past year of recovery, Springer has struggled with bouts of bronchitis and pneumonia, as well as adjusting to life with diminished lung capacity. However, she is grateful to be cancer free.

“Because of my role at the Lung Association, I know just how incredibly lucky I am to have caught this cancer early, when it was more treatable,” said Springer. “While I had no risk factors, there are people who do, but are not aware they should be screening for lung cancer. I’m encouraging our community to learn about their risk factors and visit SavedByTheScan.org to learn if they’re eligible for a low-dose CT lung cancer screening test. Talk to your family members, friends, coworkers and neighbors. You could save someone’s life.”

She added: “I hope our dedicated volunteers and Fight For Air Climb participants take pride knowing that the money we raise together directly funds our lifesaving work. I’m just a very small, real-time example of that. So, thank you all.”

Springer will also take her advocacy efforts to a national level as part of the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day on March 20 in Washington, D.C. She, along with more than 40 other lung cancer advocates, will urge members of Congress to take action to end lung cancer. Specifically, they will ask lawmakers to support $51.3 billion in research funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and $11.6 billion in funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“My passion for this mission is renewed and refreshed, and I will work every day to ensure more people can be as lucky as I’ve been and find their lung cancer before it’s too late,” Springer said.

Join Springer and hundreds of other lung health advocates from North Florida and beyond at the 16th annual Jacksonville Fight For Air Climb on Saturday, March 23 at the Bank of America Tower. Participants—from beginners to competitive climbers to first responders in full gear—will climb 37 floors, 734 stairs, in support of clean air and healthy lungs for all. Participants can form a new team, join an existing team or register as an individual climber. Registration is $35, with a $100 fundraising minimum. For more information, visit ClimbJax.org.

To request an interview with Cindy Springer, please contact Victoria O’Neill via email at [email protected] or call 312-273-5890.