Local Lung Cancer Advocate Travels to Washington, D.C. to Share Personal Story at Milestone Event

In celebration of a decade of powerful advocacy and progress, Jacksonville resident and lung cancer advocate, Christopher Gonzalez, will travel 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.

Gonzalez is the immediate past chair of the Lung Association’s North Florida Leadership Board. He first got involved with the Lung Association when his father, Ed, was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. His only symptom was a persistent cough.

“His diagnosis truly struck my entire family with fear and surprise,” Gonzalez said. “We were blown away that the rock of our family could have such a terrible disease.”

Gonzalez struggled with feelings of helplessness while his father’s health declined. Getting involved with the Lung Association and raising awareness and funds for lung cancer research gave him a sense of purpose and hope for a cure.

“My father, unfortunately, lost his life to lung cancer, but my hope in sharing our story is that another family won’t have to go through what I went through,” he said. “Through protecting funding for the CDC/NIH, we can one day find a cure for this terrible disease and rid the world of lung cancer for good.”

During Advocacy Day, Christopher Gonzalez will speak with the Florida Congressional Delegation 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 Christopher Gonzalez, the Lung Association invites Florida 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.