Missouri Lung Cancer Survivor Meets with Congress to Advocate for Lifesaving Research, Public Health Infrastructure and Access to Quality Healthcare

Missouri resident Roy Williams was diagnosed with lung cancer nine years ago. Now, he will meet with his members of Congress and explain why investments in public health, research funding and quality healthcare are important to him during the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day on April 6, 2022.  

“The fact that my cancer was found early and treated early is why I am still here,” said Williams. “We need to expand early detection screenings to more Americans.” 

In 2013, Williams was treated for an upper respiratory infection and most of it cleared up except for a persistent cough. Based on his history, doctors advised him to get an x-ray of his lungs. Williams was diagnosed with stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer. He had follow-up CT scans every year since then and everything was going well. One year ago, two small nodules were found in his left lung. Williams recently went for a checkup and doctors found two additional small nodules. He remains optimistic about his future since doctors informed him that most nodules do not turn into lung cancer.  

As a part of the nationwide event, Williams 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, Williams will speak with Senator Roy Blunt’s office, Senator Joshua Hawley’s office and Representative Blaine Leutkemeyer’s office to share his personal experience of living with lung cancer. 

It is estimated that in 2022 alone, there will be 5,690 people in Missouri 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 Williams 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 Missouri. 

Williams encourages others in Missouri to advocate for lung cancer research and healthcare protections by contacting their members of Congress at Lungforce.org/AdvocacyDay. Learn more about Williams’ story and the LUNG FORCE initiative at LUNGFORCE.org.