Local Lung Cancer Advocate Travels to Washington, D.C. to Urge Lawmakers to Support Lifesaving Research and Public Health Funding

Las Vegas resident and lung cancer advocate, Carlos Ramirez, travels to Washington, D.C. to meet with his members of Congress during the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day on March 20. As a part of the nationwide event, Ramirez joins more than 40 other people across the country who have been impacted by lung cancer to 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).

For Ramirez, life took an unexpected twist when his wife was diagnosed with stage four Small Cell Lung Cancer. As his wife’s caregiver, Ramirez accompanied his wife to numerous doctor's appointments and chemotherapy sessions, providing care and support at home. Over three years, Ramirez witnessed the toll that cancer and chemotherapy exacted on his wife’s body. The last days with his wife remain etched in his memory. Under the effects of morphine to alleviate her pain, his wife bid a heart-wrenching farewell to their children. On July 11, 2010, Viviane Ramirez Gallegos passed away from lung cancer at the age of 28, leaving behind her two children, age 5 and 8, and her husband Carlos. 

“The chance to visit Washington DC and share my story with my congressional representatives has been incredibly meaningful. Each time I discuss my upcoming trip with friends, family, and colleagues, I can't help but feel excited. It's heartening to have everyone cheering me on as I take on this important role,” said Carlos Ramirez, Advocate of the American Lung Association.

During Advocacy Day, Ramirez will speak with Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Senator Jacky Rosen to share his personal experience with lung cancer and explain why investments in public health and research funding are important to him. 

Thousands of LUNG FORCE Heroes from across the country have raised their voices since 2014 to urge their members of Congress in Washington, D.C., to support robust, sustainable and predictable federal funding increases for lung cancer research, prevention, as well as quality and affordable healthcare. LUNG FORCE Heroes have succeeded in helping increase NIH lung cancer research funding by over 130% since the inception of LUNG FORCE in 2014. NIH has also funded research that has led to new treatments that are saving lives today. Since 2016, over 50 new therapies have been approved by the FDA to treat lung cancer – giving life and hope to those impacted by this disease. 

Ramirez encourages others in Nevada to advocate for lung cancer research and healthcare protections by contacting their members of Congress, which they can do at Lung.org/AdvocacyDay. Learn more about Ramirez’s story and the LUNG FORCE initiative at LUNGFORCE.org.