LUNG FORCE Heroes from Every State Join American Lung Association to Advocate for Lung Cancer Patients on Capitol Hill

WHAT: Through its LUNG FORCE initiative, the American Lung Association is hosting its second annual LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day, bringing together "LUNG FORCE Heroes" – those personally impacted by lung cancer – from every state to advocate for more lung cancer patients everywhere. These lung cancer advocates are pushing for quality, affordable healthcare and increased research funding at the National Institutes of Health that will result in more treatment options and better early detection methods.

Media has the opportunity to meet these Heroes and during the, a LUNG FORCE Hero Reception kick-off event, hosted by the American Lung Association on Tuesday evening.

Media opportunities:
In light of the President’s recent budget proposal that calls for a $6 billion cut in NIH funding and Congressional consideration of the American Health Care Act, which would result in 24 million Americans losing healthcare by 2024, this event serves as an opportunity for journalists to speak with lung cancer patients and caregivers from across the country, to hear first-hand how these actions will impact the lives of people with and at risk for lung cancer. Photo opportunities will be available.

LUNG FORCE Heroes and American Lung Association leaders and policy experts are available for media interviews upon request. Members of the media may also register for the Hero Reception kick-off event, photo opportunities will be available.

WHEN/WHERE:
The LUNG FORCE Hero Reception is taking place on Tuesday, April 4 at 5:30 p.m. ET at the Dupont Circle Hotel. The American Lung Association and LUNG FORCE Heroes will take to Capitol Hill on Wednesday, April 5 to meet with members of Congress.

HOW: To register for the LUNG FORCE Hero reception or to schedule an interview with a LUNG FORCE Hero, lung cancer medical or policy expert, contact Allison MacMunn, [email protected] or 312-801-7628.

WHY:

• Lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer of women and men in our country.
• In 2016, 224,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer.
• Only 16 percent of people are diagnosed at an early stage, when more treatment options are available. New methods of early detection are essential, as survival rates are five times higher when lung cancer is detected early.
• More treatment options are needed, as well as access to quality, affordable healthcare, so lung cancer patients can access these treatments.