HARRISBURG, PA — Amid the bustling corridors of power in Washington, D.C., Donna Thompson, a resilient lung cancer survivor from Havertown, Pennsylvania, prepares to share her harrowing yet hopeful journey with lawmakers. On March 20, during the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day, Thompson will stand alongside over 40 individuals directly impacted by lung cancer. Their mission? To advocate for increased federal funding for critical research and prevention programs that could save countless lives.
Donna’s story is both a testament to survival and a clarion call for action. Diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer in 2015 after being mistakenly treated for asthma, her life took a dramatic turn. Following an emergency room visit, doctors discovered cancer in her upper right lung. Despite the initial shock and a challenging battle that included surgery and chemotherapy, Donna faced her illness head-on. Her fight took another daunting turn in 2022 when cancer re-emerged. This time, however, a biomarker discovery enabled her oncologists to tailor her treatment, offering new hope.
But Donna’s journey is more than a personal battle; it’s a rallying cry for early detection and the transformative power of medical research. “Preventive medicine helps early detection. Early detection saves lives,” Donna asserts. Her advocacy underscores the importance of accessible healthcare and the critical need for robust research funding.
During her visit to Capitol Hill, Donna will engage with Pennsylvania legislators, including Senator Casey, Senator Fetterman, and Representative Boye. Her goal is to illuminate the human side of lung cancer statistics, emphasizing the urgent need for a $51.3 billion investment in National Institutes of Health (NIH) research and $11.6 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The significance of this advocacy day extends far beyond personal stories. Since the inception of LUNG FORCE in 2014, persistent voices like Donna’s have contributed to a staggering 130% increase in NIH funding for lung cancer research. This surge in resources has catalyzed the development of over 50 new FDA-approved therapies since 2016, offering not just treatment but hope to those facing lung cancer.
Donna Thompson, along with fellow LUNG FORCE Heroes, represents a powerful force for change. By sharing their experiences, they provide invaluable insights into the realities of lung cancer, driving home the need for sustained investment in research and healthcare protections.
As Donna prepares to make her voice heard in Washington, she also encourages fellow Pennsylvanians to join the cause. By reaching out to their members of Congress, residents can play a crucial role in advancing the fight against lung cancer, ensuring that more stories like Donna’s have a fighting chance.
To learn more about Donna Thompson’s inspiring journey and how to get involved in lung cancer advocacy, visit LUNGFORCE.org. Together, we can turn the tide against lung cancer, one story at a time.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and Microsoft Start.