Celebrating 10 Years Advocating for Change: Local Lung Cancer Survivor and Advocate Jeff Sternick Travels to Washington, D.C. to Share Personal Story at Milestone Event

In celebration of a decade of powerful advocacy and progress, Natick Massachusetts resident and lung cancer survivor and advocate, Jeff Sternick traveled to Washington, D.C., for the American Lung Association’s 2025 LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day on April 9. This event marks 10 years of amplifying the voices of lung cancer survivors, caregivers, and advocates from across the U.S. who have shared their personal stories with lawmakers to drive lifesaving change.

Diagnosed in 2010 with stage 4 lung cancer after a life-threatening brain tumor, Jeff has benefited from more than a decade of targeted treatments made possible by federally funded research and access to affordable healthcare. His journey includes multiple clinical trials for ALK-positive lung cancer, three generations of breakthrough medications, and two brain surgeries. Today, thanks to ongoing research and access to comprehensive coverage through the Massachusetts Health Connector, Jeff is living side effect-free with no disease progression. 

Jeff said, “When I was first diagnosed, my greatest fear was for my kids — that I wouldn’t be there for their games, their events, their everyday lives. I’m here today because NIH-funded research gave me more time with them, and access to affordable coverage helped me stay on the treatments that are literally keeping me alive. This isn’t just about one patient — it’s about thousands of families. My wife, Tina, and I are forever grateful, and I’m proud to speak up today for every person who deserves the same chance.”

During Advocacy Day, Jeff joined fellow advocates to highlight the essential role of government-supported medical research and healthcare programs in saving and extending lives. He spoke to Massachusetts Senators and Representatives and their staff to share his personal experience with lung cancer and explain why protecting access to quality and affordable healthcare through Medicaid, and protecting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health are vital for people with or at risk for lung cancer. 

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 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 the importance of Medicaid in providing health coverage for people with and at risk for lung cancer.

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.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day and support Jeff,  the Lung Association invites Massachusetts residents 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.