Local Lung Cancer Survivor Travels to Washington, D.C. to Urge Lawmakers to Support Lifesaving Research and Public Health Funding

Monroe resident and lung cancer survivor, Dianna Wright, will travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with her members of Congress during the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day on March 20.

As a part of the nationwide event, Wright will join more than 40 other people across the country who have been impacted by lung cancer to ask lawmakers to support $51.3 billion in research funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and $11.6 billion in funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In 2018, Wright was driving on the highway when she saw a billboard for Saved By the Scan, a Lung Association initiative that encourages individuals who have previously smoked to get screened for lung cancer. Although Wright had quit smoking over 12 years ago and had no symptoms, seeing the billboard planted the idea of checking in with her doctor. To her surprise, after getting the lung scan done, she was diagnosed with Stage 1 Lung Cancer. Fortunately, the early detection allowed Wright to be able to undergo a procedure to remove the malignant tumor, and she fully recovered shortly after the surgery. Now, Wright is hoping that sharing her story will impress upon both community members and lawmakers the importance of being proactive with one’s health.

“I am living proof that early detection can save lives. More than anything, I am hoping that my story will inspire more individuals to take charge of their health and understand the importance of getting screened for lung cancer. I am optimistic that through advocating for early screenings with LUNG FORCE, we can continue moving towards a future free from lung disease,” said Wright.

During Advocacy Day, Wright will speak with U.S. Senators and Representatives to share her personal experience with lung cancer and explain why investments in public health and research funding are important to her.

Thousands of LUNG FORCE Heroes from across the country have raised their voices since 2014 to urge their members of Congress in Washington, D.C., to support robust, sustainable and predictable federal funding increases for lung cancer research, prevention, as well as quality and affordable healthcare. LUNG FORCE Heroes have succeeded in helping increase NIH lung cancer research funding by over 130% since the inception of LUNG FORCE in 2014. NIH has also funded research that has led to new treatments that are saving lives today. Since 2016, over 50 new therapies have been approved by the FDA to treat lung cancer – giving life and hope to those impacted by this disease.

Wright encourages others in Michigan to advocate for lung cancer research and healthcare protections by contacting their members of Congress, which they can do at Lung.org/AdvocacyDay. Learn more about Wright’s story and the LUNG FORCE initiative at LUNGFORCE.org.