Advocating for Change: Veronica Mann Travels to Washington, D.C. to Share Her Son’s Lung Cancer Journey at Milestone Event

In celebration of a decade of powerful advocacy and progress, Connecticut resident and lung cancer advocate, Veronica Mann 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.

Veronica’s only child, Rashad, was just 27 years old when he was diagnosed with aggressive lung cancer after a hospital visit in late 2019. A healthy, active young man working at Advent Health in Orlando, Rashad faced his diagnosis during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite rounds of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation, the cancer spread quickly, and he passed away in October 2021 at just 29 years old. Veronica is sharing Rashad’s story to raise awareness of the urgent need for continued federal investment in lung cancer research, access to care through Medicaid, and the CDC’s critical role in public health education.

She said, “My son was a fighter every step of the way, and as his mom and caregiver, I was right there with him. Even with health insurance, the road was incredibly hard. I can’t imagine what it’s like for families going through this without coverage. That’s why I’m in Washington — to ask our leaders to protect Medicaid, support the CDC, and invest in the NIH. These programs save lives. We need to make sure that every person facing lung cancer can get the care, information, and hope they deserve.”

During Advocacy Day, Veronica spoke with Connecticut’s Representatives in Congress and their staff to share her family’s 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 Veronica, the Lung Association invites Connecticut 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.