Welcome to the American Lung Association’s
Legacy planned giving online newsletter
Here, you can find stories about how your support makes a difference in the lives of others by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. We hope you enjoy these stories and share feedback with us.
A Lasting Legacy for Ken
Ken Scallon is taking his lifelong advocacy against tobacco beyond his career by making lung health a part of his legacy.
A retiree with over 20 years of experience in public health education with the American Lung Association in New York, Ken is continuing his lifelong advocacy for tobacco prevention programs beyond his career by making the organization a beneficiary in his estate plans.
“I feel a lot better now knowing that I’m helping to support this mission that means so much to me.”
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Ken remains passionate about the American Lung Association’s mission and is impressed with the scientific breakthroughs and leading scientists who are empowered by the American Lung Association’s Research Institute. He’s also concerned about the tobacco industry’s continual renewal of itself and aggressive fight to keep profits over lung safety. After reading the State of Tobacco Control Report, he shares, “The report shows the importance of the Lung Association as a watchdog over policy makers. We need to stay vigilant and preserve funding for tobacco control programs. We need to keep fighting for a tobacco-free future.”
As they made their estate plans, Ken and his wife first prioritized their children’s and grandchildren’s well-being. Once they knew their loved ones were taken care of, they chose to secure a lasting legacy with the American Lung Association by naming the organization a beneficiary of their insurance policy.
In making the gift, Ken hopes to send a message to current and former Lung Association employees, as well as his own family about the importance of giving back to the organization that means so much to him so the Lung Association’s impactful work may persist for generations to come.
State of Tobacco Control Report 2025
The 23rd annual report evaluates states and the federal government on the proven-effective tobacco control laws and policies necessary to save lives.
The 23rd annual American Lung Association’s “State of Tobacco Control” shines a spotlight on the immediate need for policy makers to turn their attention toward the gravity of tobacco use and the urgent need to rejuvenate funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs.
The 2025 report draws attention to the aggressive actions of the tobacco industry that have slowed, or in some cases, stopped progress on public policies at all levels of government to prevent and reduce tobacco use.
States and the federal government are graded, A through F, on how well they are enacting and enforcing the tobacco control laws and policies that have been proven to save lives.
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For each state, the report provides data regarding smoking rates and associated healthcare costs. The report also highlights specific calls to action for elected officials to enact laws and support programs that recognize the health and economic burden of tobacco. You can read more about the methodology and how your state compares: Lung.org/research/sotc/state-grades.
At the Federal level, grades in tobacco control were varied, with a major concern being the tobacco industry’s success in blocking FDA rules that would have ended the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. For decades, the industry has successfully targeted and increased sales of menthol cigarettes in Black, LGBTQ+ and other historically marginalized communities. The failure to act will result in continued death and disease caused by smoking, especially among these communities.
Positive steps were noticed, however, such as a decline in adult smoking rates and the Supreme Court backing of cigarette graphic warning labels. Also, in 2024, the federal government took several actions to increase its enforcement against illegal e-cigarette products, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a proposed rule that would significantly reduce nicotine levels in almost all combusted tobacco products.
With tobacco causing 490,000 deaths annually, the report emphasizes the necessity of both federal and state lawmakers resisting industry pressure and prioritizing public health over profits. The Lung Association has identified five key actions for the Trump administration and Congress to take in 2025 and is carefully watching several legal challenges to important tobacco control efforts. The full report can be found on our website, Lung.org/research/sotc.
Gifts by Beneficiary Designation
“If there’s one thing I could share with others, it’s this: don’t delay in investing in your legacy. With a beneficiary designation, the process wasn’t hard at all. All we had to do is fill out one form and it was done. I feel a lot better now knowing that I’m helping to support this mission that means so much to me.”
— Ken Scallon
A simple way to create a legacy of saving lives, and it costs nothing now.
If you are looking for a simple way to create your legacy of a world free of lung disease, consider making the American Lung Association a recipient of your retirement plan or other financial accounts. It’s one of the easiest ways to support our cause: there’s no need to make an appointment with your lawyer office, and it costs you nothing now.
All you need to do is ask for a change of beneficiary form from your bank accounts, retirement savings, and other forms of financial holdings, including CDs, savings bonds and donor-advised funds. Simply fill out the form and name the American Lung Association as a beneficiary. Make sure to include our Tax ID number, 13-1632524. Then sign and date the form and submit it.
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As a result, you’ll be supporting the research, education and advocacy that will help save lives now and for future generations. And it will be your legacy of love for the world.
When you make us a beneficiary, you may also lessen the tax burden for your family in the future. Because we’re a tax-exempt organization, the total amount of your gift is not subject to estate or income tax. The total amount of your retirement fund or other account will contribute directly to our efforts to save lives by improving lung health, preventing lung disease, and creating a healthy world for all.
To discover more, get in touch with our Assistant Vice President of Individual and Planned Giving, Cheryl Smoot at Cheryl.Smoot@Lung.org or call her at 312-801-7642.
Extreme Weather and Lung Health
Thanks to supporters like you, the American Lung Association is a trusted resource for information on how to stay safe and protect your lungs during extreme weather events.
Our thoughts are with everyone across the US affected by devastating wildfires, dust storms, tornadoes and other deadly weather. Tragically, extreme events are becoming more frequent across the county. Whether it’s scorching heat, frigid cold, or other emergencies, individuals with lung disease can take proactive steps to minimize the impact of these conditions.
Here are some essential tips to keep safe, regardless of the event.
• Talk to your doctor. Your healthcare provider can offer specific recommendations if you or a loved one is vulnerable.
• Monitor weather and air quality. By knowing the triggers of your symptoms and staying informed, you can decide whether or not it is safe to go outside.
• Recognize symptoms and know when to take action. If you start to experience symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, persistent coughing, or difficulty breathing, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Early intervention can make a significant difference.
• Prioritize your health and safety. Monitor emergency updates closely and evacuate immediately if instructed to do so.
• Ask for help. The American Lung Association’s Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA is a free resource to answer any questions about the lungs, lung disease and lung health, including how to protect yourself during extreme weather.
Your legacy could be a world free of lung disease. I’m here to help.
Your gift will make a lasting impact by helping save lives for years to come.
Cheryl J. Smoot
Assistant Vice President,
Individual and Planned Giving
Phone: 312-801-7642
Cheryl.Smoot@Lung.org
We are here to answer any questions and to discuss these options to achieve your personal and philanthropic goals. Please email us with any questions you may have.