More than 120 Advocates from 28 States Bring Their Collective Voice to Washington, DC

Washington, DC [July 10, 2018] – Today, Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) opens the 10th Anniversary National Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC.  Taking place from July 10 –12, the Summit will bring together 120 survivors, loved ones and advocates from 28 states who have been touched by the number one cancer killer. Advocates are ready to ignite change in our national health policy agenda to increase federal funding for research as well as protect access to life-saving early detection methods and high-quality, affordable healthcare.

“The Summit is a significant milestone for us and we are honored to be able to again host this life-affirming event for our community,” said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, President and CEO of Lung Cancer Alliance. “This is the culmination of over a decade of developing and leading impactful advocacy strategies at the national level to achieve meaningful policy wins.  We are empowered by what we have been able to nurture from a first year with only a few survivors and advocates taking their collective voices to Congress to what we have now; a strong foundation for greater federal support, compassion and understanding of our community’s needs.”

Day one will consist of panel discussions with leading scientists including Bruce E. Johnson, MD, Immediate Past President, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and Gregory C. Simon, JD, President, Biden Cancer Initiative. They will join other key voices in the cancer community to speak about the latest research and treatment advancements as well as the critical role that collective advocacy plays in enabling research collaborations. Attendees will also gain a better understanding of how to share their own lung cancer story in preparation for their Congressional meetings to advocate for the restoration of the $20 million funding level for the Lung Cancer Research Program within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program.

Day two will begin with a Congressional Lung Cancer Caucus Briefing on women and lung cancer to educate members of Congress about the need for and impact of the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act that is currently being considered by both the U.S. Senate (S. 2358) and the House of Representatives (H.R. 4897). Immediately following, attendees will have individual meetings with members of Congress to share their personal perspective on how lung cancer has impacted their lives.

For those who are unable to make it to Washington, DC, LCA will be holding a virtual Advocacy Action Day on July 11, 2018 that will allow anyone who wants to participate in advocacy efforts for lung cancer  to be able to make a difference no matter where they are located.

Follow the National Advocacy Summit conversation on Facebook and on Twitter using the hashtags #LCSummit18 and #ShareHerLungs.