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LUNG CANCER ALLIANCE HAILS MAINE DELEGATION SUPPORT FOR LUNG CANCER MORTALITY REDUCTION ACT

Thanks Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) for Joining Congressman Michael Michaud (D-ME) and Endorsing Legislation

Washington, DC (Wednesday, May 26, 2010) - Today, Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) commended Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) for joining Congressman Michael Michaud (D-ME) as cosponsors of the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act (LCMRA), a bi-partisan, bi-cameral bill that establishes the first ever multi-agency, comprehensive research program targeted all aspects of lung cancer.

After recent meetings in Washington, DC with LCA President & CEO Laurie Fenton Ambrose and LCA-Maine Lead Advocate and long time lung cancer survivor, Deb Violette, Senator Snowe and Congresswoman Pingree joined as cosponsors of Senate Bill S. 332 and its House companion measure HR 2112. Congressman Michaud cosponsored the House bill this past December.

"It is so exciting to see momentum continue to build in support of a national plan of action for lung cancer", said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, President & CEO of LCA. The willingness of members of the Maine delegation to join other Senate and House colleagues and demand that lung cancer no longer be ignored and that it be addressed with greater compassion, increased resources and a comprehensive plan – is what will ultimately end lung cancer as we know it."

The Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act, authorizes a five year program to reduce the mortality rate of lung cancer which continues to be the leading cause of cancer death among men, women and in every ethnic group in Maine and in every state across the country. Additionally, military men and women are at increased as compared to their civilian counterparts.

"We must elevate lung cancer to a national public health priority and commit to reducing lung cancer mortality as quickly as possible. That is what the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act is poised to do," commented Senator Snowe.

"Lung cancer continues to claim the lives of more people than any other cancer, yet vital research is still severely under funded," said Congresswoman Pingree. "I am committed to ensuring that a comprehensive plan of action is put in place to reduce the deadly impact of this disease.

S. 332 and HR 2112 requires the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Defense and Veterans Affairs to combine forces on a comprehensive, coordinated plan of action with funding authorized for five years to accomplish the mortality reduction goal.

"As a survivor, I am proud to be represented by these elected leaders who listened to the facts and understood that the time is now to act to reverse decades of stigma and neglect too long attached to lung cancer, said Deb Violette, and I will continue working with any interested party in Maine to improve outcomes for the entire lung cancer community."

For more information abou the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act please visit www.lungcanceralliance.org.

Lung Cancer Alliance is the only national non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to patient support and advocacy for those living with or at risk for lung cancer. Lung Cancer Alliance is committed to leading the movement to reverse decades of stigma and neglect by empowering those with or at risk for the disease, elevating awareness and changing health policy.

***Information from Lung Cancer Alliance