Wesson woman lung cancer advocate

Special to Wesson News

In celebration of a decade of powerful advocacy and progress, Wesson resident and lung cancer advocate Kim Whittington participated in the American Lung Association’s 2025 Lung Force Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., on April 9.

The event marked 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.

Whittington is driven by the memory of her husband, Harry, who passed from lung cancer 11 years ago. Like many veterans, he began smoking while serving in the U.S. Air Force. After retiring from the service, he had annual check-ups with his primary care provider, but did not receive any lung scans. He was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer during tests for a stroke. The cancer had metastasized to his brain. He passed eight months after his diagnosis.

“As a member of the U.S. Air Force, Harry saw many conflicts and danger, but little did he know the thing that would end his life was hanging from his fingers,” says Whittington.  “He told me cigarettes were passed out in the military just like MREs.  Lung cancer screening should be a part of yearly check-ups, especially for patients with smoking history.  I believe if his lung cancer had been caught earlier, Harry would still be here.”

During Advocacy Day, Whittington spoke with the Mississippi Congressional Delegation and their staff 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.

Lung Force was launched in 2014, with its first advocacy 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 help celebrate the tenth anniversary of Lung Foce Advocacy Day and support Kim Whittington, the Lung Association invited Mississippi residents to join the movement by visiting LUNGFORCE.org/AdvocacyDay and:

• Calling 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

  
  

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, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.