LEGACY

Endurance cycling eventually opened another way to honor him. About a decade ago, Michael discovered Trek Across Maine, the American Lung Association’s multi-day cycling fundraiser. A physical challenge soon became something more as conversations with researchers, physicians, fellow cyclists and families affected by lung disease gave every mile a deeper purpose.

Eight years of involvement have since grown into persistent fundraising and everyday conversations about the cause. In 2026 alone, Michael raised $5,300. He brings trek cards, which are small fundraising handouts, when he walks his dog, Simon—always ready to share with someone who may want to learn more.

“The joy is in giving, not receiving, right?” Michael says.

Giving now reaches well beyond the next ride. Michael has chosen to create a legacy through the Lung Association with a future gift of shares of stock.

After providing for the people closest to him through his will, he wants what he has built over a lifetime to continue helping others and supporting progress in lung health for years to come, including people and families he will never personally meet but still hopes his generosity can reach.

Behind those numbers is an enormous body of air quality data collected by federal, state, local and Tribal monitoring programs. The Lung Association analyzes that information, assigns grades and makes the findings accessible so people can understand how the air where they live may be affecting their health.

Major support helps move those findings beyond the page. Air quality data becomes public education, evidence for advocacy and a stronger foundation for policies designed to reduce harmful pollution. Continued philanthropy gives the Lung Association greater ability to keep this evidence in front of communities, decision makers and advocates who can use it to press for meaningful change.

The 2026 results show why sustained attention matters. Fine particle pollution improved across much of the country, demonstrating that cleaner air is possible. Ozone pollution, however, affected more people than in the previous five reports. Extreme heat, drought and wildfire smoke are also making decades of progress harder to protect.

State of the Air creates a public record of those changes, showing where conditions are improving, where people remain exposed, which communities carry a disproportionate burden and where stronger protections can make the greatest difference.

Philanthropy helps ensure this work continues year after year, giving the Lung Association the resources to track changing conditions, identify emerging threats and help protect progress toward cleaner air. Supporters like you make that sustained commitment possible.

The next State of the Air update will arrive in 2027, showing where progress continues and where renewed action is still needed.

Michael Bryant, featured in the cover story, has chosen to give shares of stock in his future bequest to the Lung Association. His lifetime accumulation of assets will continue supporting the mission he believes in into the future.

Securities may be transferred through a broker or, in some cases, as physical certificates. Please note, the Lung Association cannot accept securities from tobacco companies or related entities.

If securities have declined in value, selling them first and donating the proceeds may allow the donor to recognize the loss and claim a charitable deduction. Donors should consult a financial advisor about tax benefits and strategy.

Whether given during a lifetime or through longer range planning, securities can turn a personal investment into support for research, education and advocacy that advances lung health for years to come.

Preparing for Respiratory Virus Season

Trusted lung health guidance can help people make informed choices before seasonal illness becomes serious.

Cold and flu season also brings changing recommendations and questions about which vaccines may be appropriate. Medical history, age and individual risk can all influence the answer, so reliable resources can provide a clearer starting point for conversations with a healthcare provider.

Vaccinations can reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization, but recommendations are not the same for everyone. Guidance from your trusted American Lung Association explains how immunizations protect lung health, when they may be recommended, and why timing matters.

Clear information can ease uncertainty around prevention by helping people understand which risks deserve attention, what questions apply to them and when to speak with a provider.

That guidance can make a practical difference. Someone managing COPD may arrive at an appointment better prepared. Parents of a child with asthma can understand why respiratory infections deserve extra attention, while older adults may recognize risks worth discussing with their providers.

Support for this work helps translate complex medical information into guidance people can use before a challenging healthcare season begins and when preparation can still shape what happens next.

A caregiver, family or person with chronic lung disease may never know who helped make that information available. Supporters such as you help put trusted guidance within reach before illness becomes an emergency.

Learn more about vaccines and lung health at Lung.org/research/lung-health-diseases/wellness/vaccines.