Lung Cancer Awareness Month Proclamations

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Lisa Moran on June 6, 2023.  As a cherished member of LungCancer.net and a source of inspiration, Lisa generously and bravely shared her journey, touching and inspiring many in our community. Her courage fuels our mission, and her legacy will endure in our work. Her absence will be deeply felt, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to all who held her dear. We consider it a privilege that Lisa allowed us into her life, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and our community.

I heard of lung cancer survivors and advocates requesting and being granted official Lung Cancer Awareness Month and Day proclamations in their cities and states. At first, I thought it was wonderful that they were able to make that happen. Then I thought, it must be a lengthy application and difficult process to complete.

During a The White Ribbon Project (TWRP) advocacy Zoom meeting I found out it's fairly easy to request a city proclamation. I looked up proclamations and the request process on my city's website. I sent a short email with a sample proclamation attachment.

Requesting a city proclamation for LCAM

The email stated I was a resident of the city living with stage 4 lung cancer for over 6 years. I added, November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Then I requested the city proclaim November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month. I also attached a proclamation template that could be used. A fellow lung cancer survivor sent a sample proclamation to me. She got it from The GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer. I received an approval reply within two days. Others have received quick replies too.

The city asked for my address so they could mail the proclamation. I wanted to share my lung cancer story and ask the mayor to complete a white ribbon with me by adhering a Lung Cancer Awareness sticker and writing an encouraging message on the back of the ribbon. I replied to the approval email and requested an in-person presentation.

What happened next...

An in-person proclamation presentation was added to the next scheduled city council meeting.

A city council member read the proclamation. The mayor proclaimed November 2021 as Lung Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Kettering, Ohio. I addressed the city council, sharing my lung cancer story. I stated the need and importance of lung cancer awareness and how it impacts lung cancer research funding.

I asked the mayor to join me in completing a white ribbon. He put a Lung Cancer Awareness sticker on a ribbon and signed the back. That ribbon will be given to a lung cancer survivor, care partner, or advocate.

Telling our lung cancer story

The City council meetings in my town are broadcast live on a local cable station and recorded for later viewings. This gives the potential for many people to view and learn about lung cancer. It also gives me many opportunities to share the video on social media and in emails.

The process may be different for other cities and at the state level. Heidi Onda of (TWRP) couldn't submit her request on her own as an individual In her state. A  business or registered 501c3 nonprofit must submit a request. At the time,(TWRP) was waiting on nonprofit approval. The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer headquarters is located in Colorado. They submitted the request on their behalf as Heidi could not submit the request on her own.

Requesting a Lung Cancer Awareness proclamation is a way to get involved in lung cancer advocacy! Would you submit a request in your city?