LEGACY

Drawn by the opportunity to return to the Midwest, Sue started her journey in Wisconsin as a Director of Development. What began as a short-term role grew into a 26-year career culminating as the nation’s Chief Development Officer. Sue’s career has been shaped by continuous learning and a steadfast belief in the mission. She says, “If I am challenged and if I’m learning, I will stay in a position. And I can honestly say in this organization, I have been challenged every day and I learn something every day.”

Their combined impact spans decades of growth, advocacy and leadership and is felt across every corner of the organization. Sue’s proudest accomplishments include the change in the age when people start smoking, as well as helping to raise resources that enabled the Lung Association to increase people’s awareness, and their care for the environment and clean air. Deb’s work has led to efforts to expand lung health education, improve access to care and push for policies that save lives.

Both have chosen to extend their commitment through legacy giving, guided by a shared belief in the future of the American Lung Association. Sue is clear about her decision. “If I’m going to leave a gift, it’s certainly going to be to the Lung Association,” she said. “My dollars will be used effectively and efficiently.” Deb shares that conviction and emphasizes the lasting importance of every gift. “Even if a donor starts small, every bit of support helps ensure the organization continues long after people like me are gone.”

Together, Deb and Sue’s leadership are testaments to what sustained commitment can achieve. Thank you for being part of a community that believes in lasting change and a healthier future for all.

Some states are stepping up. In Wisconsin, lawmakers resisted efforts to roll back smokefree laws, and advocates called for higher cigarette taxes and stronger smokefree workplace protections. At the same time, many states still face stalled legislation, underfunded prevention programs and growing pressure from the tobacco industry.

Youth tobacco use remains a pressing issue. Flavored products continue to attract teens and the Lung Association is urging policymakers to eliminate flavored tobacco at every level of government.

The report sends a strong message: We cannot let up in the fight against tobacco. Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States with devastating health and economic consequences. The Lung Association is calling on lawmakers to restore prevention funding, enforce smokefree laws, raise tobacco taxes and end the sale of all flavored tobacco products.

Your support fuels this work. Together we are holding leaders accountable and moving closer to a future free of tobacco.

Researchers are also learning more about underlying risk. 21% of participants have tried smoking and 20% are current smokers. 9% report mild asthma. These factors help explain why early symptoms appear and allow scientists to better understand how different exposures and behaviors affect lung health over time.

Medically attended respiratory illness is another critical signal. 17% of participants have had at least 1 healthcare visit for a respiratory illness. These events are associated with accelerated lung decline and increased risk of chronic lung and heart disease.

Environmental exposure also plays a role. Short-term exposure to moderate wildfire smoke has been shown to cause measurable reductions in lung function, even in otherwise healthy young adults. This data strengthens the case for clearer public health guidance during poor air quality events.

Chest CT scans revealed abnormal findings in 47% of participants, including lung nodules and three cases of lung cancer. These findings raise important questions about how to manage lung abnormalities in nonsmoking younger adults.

Your support is driving a major shift in how we understand and prevent lung disease. Because of you, researchers are uncovering early warning signs and building tools to protect lung health before symptoms begin. This progress would not be possible without your dedication to a healthier future. Thank you for making lasting change possible.