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, Atlanta resident and lung cancer advocate, Emily Yehezkel 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.

Yehezkel is driven by the memory of her mother, Jaynee. She passed from lung cancer in January 2020—a mere five months after her Stage IV diagnosis. She was only 57 years old. She had lost her sister to lung cancer years prior. To safeguard their health, Yehezkel and her own sister underwent genetic testing and have committed to regular screenings.

“In the early days of her diagnosis, my mom said that she wanted to spread the word in any way she could about what lung cancer is and how it can affect anyone,” said Yehezkel. “She wanted to humanize it, destigmatize it and show the true impact it has on the lives of people all over the U.S.”

She added: “I think about my mom every single day, but I have channeled my heartbreak from losing her into something meaningful, just as she would have wanted. My hope is for a world free of lung cancer, one where no one else suffers as she did, and no family endures this loss. Advocating for research, breaking the stigma around smoking and sharing my story is the best way I can honor her.”

During Advocacy Day, Yehezkel will speak with the Georgia Congressional Delegation to share her 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 Emily Yehezkel, the Lung Association invites Georgia 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.