A Decade of Impact: Lung Cancer Survivors Head to Capitol Hill to Advocate for a Cure

In celebration of a decade of powerful advocacy and progress, LUNG FORCE Heroes—individuals personally impacted by lung cancer—will once again travel from across the country to Washington, D.C., for the American Lung Association’s 2025 LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day on April 9. This milestone event marks 10 years of amplifying the voices of lung cancer survivors, caregivers and advocates who have shared their personal stories with lawmakers to drive lifesaving change.

“For the past decade, LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day has united thousands of voices to take action and inspire hope in our work to end the burden of lung cancer,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “Thanks to the courage and determination of our LUNG FORCE Heroes, we have achieved monumental progress. But our work is far from over. This year’s event is particularly crucial as proposed federal budget cuts and policy changes threaten to undermine progress in lung cancer research, prevention, and access to affordable care.”

LUNG FORCE launched in 2014, and the first LUNG FORCE Advocacy took place in 2016. Since its inception, LUNG FORCE has played a pivotal role in transforming the landscape of lung cancer research, treatment and awareness. Over the past 10 years, the American Lung Association has:

• Shared the inspiring stories of more than 1,000 individuals affected by lung cancer with lawmakers, putting a human face to the nation’s leading cause of cancer death.
• Increased annual lung cancer research funding through the National Institutes of Health by 142%, surpassing $500 million annually.
• Contributed to a remarkable 44% increase in the five-year lung cancer survival rate, providing hope to countless patients and families.
• Paved the way for 67 new lung cancer therapies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, expanding treatment options and improving outcomes.

This year, LUNG FORCE Heroes will share their stories and advocate for protecting lifesaving research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), critical public health prevention and protections at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Medicaid health coverage.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day and support LUNG FORCE Heroes, the Lung Association invites the public to join the movement by visiting LUNGFORCE.org/AdvocacyDay and:

• Calling your Senators and Representatives to echo the voices of LUNG FORCE Heroes.
• Sending an email to Congress to advocate for continued support of lung cancer research and healthcare access.
• Engaging with lawmakers on social media to raise awareness and inspire action.

For more details about the 2025 LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day or the American Lung Association’s ongoing efforts to end lung cancer, visit LUNGFORCE.org.