Volunteer and Staff Awards

Michelle McMahon is a 15-year lung cancer survivor and non-smoker who has been a dedicated advocate for lung cancer awareness and fundraising since her diagnosis in 2009. She works diligently alongside her family to help ensure that no family will ever have to hear the words “You have lung cancer.” As the founder of the Take a Breath for Life Foundation, she leads an organization devoted exclusively to supporting her community in matters related to lung cancer.

In 2020, the Lung Association formalized a partnership with the Take a Breath for Life Foundation, ensuring that 100% of the funds raised by her foundation directly support the American Lung Association’s lung cancer initiatives. Since the inception of this partnership, Michelle has successfully raised $130,000 for our organization, significantly contributing to our mission.

Michelle also contributes as a Local Leadership Board member in Western New York, reinforcing her commitment to our cause. She actively engages in initiatives and fundraising efforts concerning lung cancer and other lung diseases. She has also supported numerous board members through their families’ battles and extends support to our volunteers and event participants, offering genuine friendship and camaraderie.

Her dedication is indeed an asset to the Lung Association. Congratulations to Michelle on receiving the 2025 American Lung Association Volunteer of the Year Award!

Allen Wentworth, Chair of the Board in Colorado, is a respected respiratory therapist, educator and mentor who has made significant contributions to lung health, the COPD community and the Lung Association.

He is known for his impactful lectures, training programs, and advocacy efforts, including support for lung health initiatives on Capitol Hill.

He leads by example, encouraging board members to participate in th gala’s sponsorship. This year, 11 out of 12 board members attended, with seven involved in sponsorships. He not only donates but inspires others to contribute as well. In addition, Allen supports the annual Moving Mountains Patient Symposium, securing speakers and vendors and covering breakfast and lunch costs himself. He also launched Colorado’s first Lung Health Committee, comprising 25 healthcare professionals, who meet monthly to discuss community needs and outreach plans.

His mentorship and training programs have empowered future respiratory professionals.

One could not ask for a more loyal, dedicated volunteer. Congratulations, Allen on receiving the 2025 American Lung Association Volunteer of the Year Award.

Cheryl Smoot has been with the Lung Association for fourteen years, demonstrating leadership and strategic direction in fundraising. She began her career at the Lung Association in 2011 overseeing fundraising for the Midland States Region. During this period, she secured Kindred as the first national corporate team partner, generating $380,000-$500,000 annually and creating significant lifetime value. Under herguidance, Midland states fundraising revenue increased from $3.1M in FY2011 to $7.5M in FY2015, showing an impressive growth of 138% and showcasing Cheryl’s effectiveness in driving results.

In 2016, Cheryl took a position overseeing nationwide Planned Giving and donor-centric initiatives, significantly increasing revenue and donor engagement. Following the evaluation of the Planned Giving marketing program, Cheryl identified the need to strengthen its marketing, engaging partners to attract more donors interested in making substantial gifts, thus bolstering the American Lung Association’s financial foundation.

Cheryl’s achievements in this role include securing transformative gifts such as a $2M commitment for bronchiectasis research and a $1.5M estate gift for asthma programming. She also developed systems that allow her team to close most planned gifts within a 12-month period. Her leadership has led to nearly $90M in planned gifts over five fiscal years, averaging $18.5M annually in trust and estate revenue.

Her approach to Planned Giving marketing and database management has increased efficiency and donor engagement while saving the organization significant costs. Efforts such as enhancing the Planned Giving section on the website, have further strengthened donor engagement and program effectiveness. In addition, her collaboration with external partners and other teams has modernized planned giving marketing, increased Legacy Society membership, and boosted bequest and trust revenue.

Cheryl’s leadership style ensures team members feel valued and supported, contributing to organizational success. Her mentorship and collaborative approach have empowered teams across the organization, fostering innovation, efficiency, and professional growth.

Cheryl leads with the American Lung Association mission in the forefront, and we congratulate her on receiving the 2025 Hoyt E. Dearholt Distinguished Professional Service Award.

Michelle Caul began her tenure with the Lung Association in March 2008. Through impactful initiatives such as the Rural Immunization Confidence Project in Kentucky, Michelle has made substantial contributions to our mission, raising $4.6 million in gross revenue and $784,000 in unrestricted revenue over the past four years.

Her leadership within immunization and infectious disease coalitions has established our organization as a credible authority in public health, significantly enhancing our influence on national, state, and local strategies. She has successfully increased vaccination rates in underserved states including West Virginia, Mississippi, and Arkansas through culturally relevant, community-based education and partnerships. Her leadership in the Connecticut Immunization Coalition, comprising 140 members, has broadened our reach and impact through regular updates and shared resources.

Michelle’s proactive approach to addressing health disparities, including supporting neurodiverse patients and promoting cultural competency among healthcare providers, has enhanced our inclusivity and overall impact. Her collaborative efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic ensured our organization remained at the forefront of the public health response, effectively integrating diverse communication strategies. In addition, her initiative to provide tailored COVID-19 toolkits for marginalized communities, in collaboration with HMA Associates, expanded our visibility and effectiveness in reaching diverse populations.

Congratulations, Michelle, on demonstrating such exceptional leadership and commitment!

Samantha Herrington joined the Lung Association in May 2022. Within a year, she expanded the mid-level giving team from two to four members, boosting national donations. She fostered collaboration across departments like direct mail, digital marketing, IT, and field teams, aligning messaging and improving donor experiences.

 Sam is a member of the Lung Association Workplace Engagement Council. She champions initiatives to create a culture of inclusion, supporting staff with dynamic disabilities and ensuring resource access. Her leadership focuses on empowerment, positivity, and transparency, fostering a motivated team environment. She is a “ray of sunshine” and spreads positivity whenever she goes.

Her efforts in cross-departmental collaboration have streamlined operations and enhanced mission communication. Sam consistently boosts morale by celebrating wins and maintaining open, positive communication.

Congratulations, Sam, we appreciate you!

Bo Smith has been with the Lung Association for nearly fifteen years. He has enhanced the American Lung Association’s impact through his marketing and communications leadership, managing a 15-state territory and fostering organizational relationships. He was crucial in crisis communication during California’s wildfires in 2024-2025, generating 835 media mentions, 4.6 billion media impressions, and over 7,000 visits to wildfire resource pages.

Bo increased sponsorship support from $50,000 to $110,000 with Sharp HealthCare and secured nearly $200,000 in contributions. His leadership in diversity initiatives set a standard for cultural communication and representation. In 2024 alone, Bo generated 23,846 media mentions and 10.1 billion media impressions, with a publicity value of $582.5 million.

In addition, his work with partners strengthened relationships and expanded media opportunities, notably through the Champions Unite Pickleball Tournament & Gala. His establishment of paid media partnerships in Phoenix, Denver, and Dallas expanded fundraising reach and motivated new engagement.

Congratulations, Bo on a job well done!

The Lung Health Navigator Program has shown the value of innovation and collaboration. Through the efforts of our mission team, development team and marketing team members, along with partners such as the Sanofi and Regeneron alliance and AstraZeneca, the program provides support to individuals living with asthma and COPD. This includes education, resource navigation, and emotional support from our Lung Health Navigators.

The program initially focused on lung cancer screening support, and in 2024, it expanded to include asthma and COPD. This expansion has resulted in a significant increase in referrals, participant enrollments, and one- on-one sessions, leading to measurable health improvements. Specifically, the Lung Health Navigator for COPD program saw 1,676 referrals, a 53% increase from 2023, with 233 participants enrolled across 44 states and D.C., and 718 one-on-one sessions, leading to significant improvements in health status as indicated by the CAT score analysis. The Lung Health Navigator for Asthma program received 1,290 referrals, a 9.5% increase, with 76 participants across 31 states, resulting in notable reductions in hospitalizations, ER visits, and symptom frequency, plus increased confidence in disease management.

The Lung Health Navigator Program offers evidence-based education and behavior modification programs, connecting individuals to local and national resources such as Better Breathers Clubs and the Patient & Caregiver Network. Additionally, it provides free tools, financial aid resources, and optional home air quality assessments, which have contributed to reductions in hospitalizations and ER visits, as well as increased confidence in disease management.

Looking forward, there is potential to expand this model to other lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension. The success of the Lung Health Navigator Program demonstrates what can be achieved through strategic collaboration. One patient’s words reflect the program’s impact: “There’s no substitute for one-on-one communication with a kind person who also happens to be an expert. Thank you so much for all your help and kindness.”

Congratulations to Jennifer D, Jennifer N, Alicia, Amanda, Bev, Cindy and Lori for making this program a reality. Your work is making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Hoyt E. Dearholt Distinguished Professional Service Award Recipients

• 1983  Jean McCorrison         
• 1984  Gerald W. Orr 
• 1985  Edward Carter 
• 1986  Hubert R. Slack 
• 1987  Franklin Brough 
  Andrew M. Mirabole 
• 1988  George R. Williams 
• 1989  Sandra R. Kessler 
• 1990  William J. Pfeifer 
• 1991  Donald R. Ford 
• 1992  Jack E. Damson 
  Fran DuMelle 
• 1993  John L. Chancellor, Jr. 
• 1994  James E. Pender 
• 1995  Karen A. Monaco 
• 1996  John L. Kirkwood 
• 1997  Dale C. Hollern 
• 1998  Astrid Berg 
• 1999  Norman Childs 
• 2000  Anthony P. Najer 
• 2001  Rolando Andrewn 
• 2002  Carl Booberg 
• 2003  Martha Bogdan 
• 2004  No Award Given 
• 2005  Harold Wimmer 
• 2006  Kathy Fackler 
• 2007  Karen Fulton Holine 
• 2008  Ed Miller 
• 2009  Janet M. Widmer 
• 2010  Carol Ruggieri 
• 2011  Deborah Brown 
• 2012  Paul G. Billings 
• 2013  Bill J. Pfeifer 
• 2014  Penny Gottier Fena 
• 2015  June Deen 
• 2016  Janice E. Nolen 
• 2017  Patrice McKone 
• 2018  Rusty Burwell 
• 2019 Brenda Olsen 
• 2020 Susan Rappaport 
• 2022 Joy Meyer 
• 2023 Sue Swan
• 2024 Kevin Stewart
• 2025 Cheryl J. Smoot

Will Ross Medal Recipients