National Advocacy Summit: Building On Last Year's Success
January 1, 1970
We’re only a month away from one of the lung cancer community’s most impactful and memorable gatherings of the year, the GO2 for Lung Cancer National Advocacy Summit. Through this annual event in Washington, DC, we bring our community together to learn about the latest developments in lung cancer research, get hands-on advocacy training, and connect with others touched by the disease.Thanks to lung cancer advocates from across the country, our collective voice was heard loud and clear on Capitol Hill. Here are some highlights from our 2018 National Advocacy Summit.
- John Matthews spoke about his efforts to raise awareness and funds for lung cancer through his organization, Ride Hard. Breathe Easy. As a lung cancer advocate who lost his mother to the disease, John exemplifies how one person can make a big difference.
- Two panel discussions took place with some of the biggest names in cancer research and health policy including Shrujal Baxi, MD, Medical Director, Flatiron Health and Bruce E. Johnson, MD, Immediate Past President at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The panelists emphasized the importance of patient-powered data, working together, educating policy makers, and increasing research funding, while also openly sharing their personal cancer experiences.
- Advocates received training on how to effectively share their lung cancer stories with Elridge Proctor, GO2 for Lung Cancer’s Senior Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy, followed by a mock-congressional meeting and state break-out sessions.
- The Congressional Lung Cancer Caucus briefing, “Lung Cancer: A Women’s Health Imperative,” led by a prestigious panel, discussed research on women and lung cancer, access to preventative services, and public awareness and education campaigns.
- 120 advocates from 28 states, including 55 lung cancer survivors, attended nearly 150 meetings on Capitol Hill to share their personal stories and communicate the needs of the broader lung cancer community.
- We received more verbal commitments from elected officials than ever before to support the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act, and many indicated they would be joining the Congressional Lung Cancer Caucus.
- Florida advocates observed the presentation of the 2018 Michael G. Oxley Congressional Leadership Award to U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) for his dedication to lung cancer advocacy and his leadership in co-sponsoring the Women and Lung Cancer legislation.
- We saw a huge spike (5X more messages sent than our baseline) in emails and tweets sent directly to elected officials about the “asks” during our Advocacy Action Day.
- Two special advocates, Dana Quinn and John Matthews, received awards for their volunteer and leadership efforts at our closing dinner.
- Each state had an opportunity to reflect on the most memorable moment of the day — some funny, some emotional, but all impactful.
You have the opportunity to join more than 120 advocates from 30 states (including a record 59 survivors!) at this year’s National Advocacy Summit. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make an impact with our strongest survivor representation of all time.Registration closes on Sunday, June 23, so sign up today!
Lung cancer questions? Contact our free HelpLine at support@go2.org or 1-800-298-2436.