Low Country Lung Cancer Advocate Visits D.C. to Seek Research Funds

James Island resident and lung cancer advocate, Andrea Serrano visited Washington, D.C. to meet with her members of Congress during the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day on March 29. As a part of the nationwide event, Serrano joined more than 40 other people across the country who have been impacted by lung cancer to ask 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 to support and protect Medicaid.

“My mother Stephanie Orola Cooker passed away at the young age of 42 from lung cancer," shares Andrea Serrano, Fashion Stylist, Producer, and Content Creator. “By the time she found out she had cancer she was already at stage 4. I feel strongly that if there had been more early detection initiatives at that time, she would have had a much greater chance of defeating her lung cancer.”

“I lead a very active life. Aside from working, I like to DJ, dance, do yoga and paddle board. I know firsthand that leading a healthy lifestyle and having healthy lungs go hand in hand. Everyone deserves the opportunity and resources to lead a healthy life and affordable and accessible healthcare are essential. I freelance, so I know what it’s like to need affordable healthcare that is available and accessible to everyone.”

“As a parent of a middle and high school student, I am keenly aware that the vaping epidemic is real and widespread. Stricter laws and prevention would help deter the next generation on getting hooked on nicotine.”

During Advocacy Day, Serrano spoke with representatives from Senator Lindsey Graham’s, Senator Tim Scott’s, and Representative Nancy Mace’s offices to share her personal experience with lung cancer and explain why investments in public health, research funding and quality and affordable healthcare are important to her.

"It was such an incredible experience to represent the state of South Carolina for the American Lung Association on Advocacy Day. It was an eye-opening experience to see how the process works and to meet with state representatives to emphasize how important it is to fund the CDC and NIH and to continue to support Medicaid. I was able to share my mother’s story of losing her battle to lung cancer and how funding of lung disease research can help save lives. I also shared my story of how Medicaid helped me survive as a small business owner when I couldn’t afford regular medical insurance.”

“I was so moved and impacted by the lung cancer survivors I met who benefitted from groundbreaking treatments. My new friend Elizabeth, was given a 3-month death sentence in 2018 but received a breakthrough treatment that has extended her life.”

“I have been involved with the fundraising side of The American Lung Association for the past seven years and I love seeing the positive impact of what the money goes towards.”

“I never take a day in my life for granted and I’m so grateful that I have a healthy set of lungs that allowed me to walk 6 miles on the first day I landed in D.C. and another 6 miles on Advocacy Day. Being able to use my influence to spread the mission of the ALA and advocating for those who can’t is a powerful message that I am honored to share."

The American Lung Association launched LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day in 2016 to ask members of Congress to support robust, sustainable and predictable federal funding increases for lung cancer research, prevention and quality and affordable healthcare. As a part of Advocacy Day, LUNG FORCE Heroes have succeeded in helping increase NIH lung cancer research funding by over 115%. Since 2016, more than 50 new therapies have been approved by the FDA to treat lung cancer—giving more hope to those impacted by this disease. In 2022, Heroes successfully urged Congress to extend funding for tax credits so more than three million Americans were able to keep affordable healthcare coverage through the federal and state marketplaces.

Serrano encourages others in South Carolina to advocate for lung cancer research and healthcare protections by contacting their members of Congress, which they can do at Lung.org/AdvocacyDay. Learn more about Serrano’s story and the LUNG FORCE initiative at LUNGFORCE.org.

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About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.

About LUNG FORCE

The American Lung Association's LUNG FORCE initiative unites women, men and caregivers across the country to stand together against lung cancer, the leading cancer killer. Increased awareness about lung cancer, more education on lifesaving screening and more research funding are critical to fuel lifesaving breakthroughs. Through education, advocacy and research, LUNG FORCE works to provide hope to all those impacted by the disease and save more lives. Find out more at LUNGFORCE.org.

American Lung Association • 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150 • Chicago, IL 60601

1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Ste. 1425 North • Washington, D.C. 20004

1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) Lung.org