NEVADA – Debbie Anderson, a resident of Elko and a survivor of lung cancer will be traveling to Washington D.C. on March 29th to meet with members of Congress as part of the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day. Along with over 40 other individuals from across the country who have been impacted by lung cancer, Debbie will be advocating for increased funding for research, disease prevention, and healthcare access.

Specifically, Debbie and her fellow advocates will be urging lawmakers to support $51 billion in research funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), $11.6 billion in funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the protection and support of Medicaid.

Debbie, who works as the Director of Case Manager and Behavioral Health for Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital, was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a non-small cell lung cancer, after volunteering to receive a low-dose CT scan for radiologists to practice using the hospital’s new technology. She was fortunate that her cancer was detected early and has been able to continue working during her treatment.

Debbie’s goal is to advocate for affordable treatments, increased access to care, and ultimately to find a cure for lung cancer. During Advocacy Day, she will be sharing her personal experience with lung cancer and why investments in research funding and healthcare are crucial for patients like her.

LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day was launched in 2016 by the American Lung Association to advocate for federal funding increases for lung cancer research, prevention, and healthcare access. Since its inception, LUNG FORCE Heroes have played a significant role in helping to increase NIH lung cancer research funding by over 115%. They have also successfully lobbied for the extension of funding for tax credits, which helped millions of Americans maintain affordable healthcare coverage.

Debbie encourages fellow Nevadans to join her in advocating for lung cancer research and healthcare protections by contacting their members of Congress through Lung.org/AdvocacyDay. To learn more about Debbie’s story and the LUNG FORCE initiative, visit LUNGFORCE.org.

Credits: 2 News

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