GO2 Lung Cancer Voices Summit Unites Advocates on Capitol Hill to Drive Progress
March 30, 2026

From March 1–3, 2026, lung cancer advocates, researchers, survivors, and partners from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., for the annual GO2 for Lung Cancer Voices Summit. This year’s summit marked a milestone moment for the lung cancer community, bringing together passionate advocates to elevate patient voices and push for policies that accelerate research and improve outcomes for people affected by lung cancer.
GO2 was proud to partner with organizations and advocates across the full spectrum of the lung cancer community—biomarker groups, research foundations, advocacy organizations, and patient-led initiatives—to make our collective voice impossible to ignore.
This unprecedented collaboration not only amplifies our shared mission but also demonstrates the strength, resilience, and expertise driving progress in lung cancer today.
We are deeply grateful to the advocates who traveled from across the country to meet directly with lawmakers and share their experiences. Their voices help ensure that lung cancer remains a national priority and that progress continues for the millions of individuals and families impacted by this disease.
By the numbers
This year’s summit was a milestone event in many ways. Highlights include:
- 140 meetings with legislative offices on Capitol Hill
- 139 attendees
- 29 states represented
- 63,705 social media impressions and 4,915 engagements
Our key priorities
Advocates urged Congress to take action on several policy priorities that support the lung cancer community.
- Our request for Fiscal Year 2027
Advocates called on Congress to fully restore and increase funding for the Lung Cancer Research Program (LCRP) to $60 million within the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP). This investment is critical to reversing the impact of the FY 2025 full-year continuing resolution, which:
- Enacted a 57 percent reduction in overall CDMRP funding
- Eliminated dedicated funding for the LCRP in FY 2027
- Support for federal research funding
The lung cancer community also urged policymakers to support the highest possible funding levels for key federal medical research agencies, including:
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Sustained investment across these agencies is essential to drive the scientific discoveries and innovative treatments that improve survival and quality of life for patients.
Keynote speaker highlights the promise of progress
GO2 for Lung Cancer was honored to welcome Christine M. Lovly, MD, PhD, FASCO, as the summit’s keynote speaker. Dr. Lovly is the division chief of thoracic medical oncology and a professor in the Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research at City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States.
In her remarks, Dr. Lovly highlighted the remarkable progress made in lung cancer research and treatment over the past two decades while emphasizing the continued need for sustained funding and strong advocacy. She also spoke about the promise of future breakthroughs and the power of collaboration across the lung cancer community.
Survivor spotlight: shining a light on lung cancer
A powerful moment of the summit featured lung cancer survivor and advocate Dusty Donaldson, who shared her personal experience with lung cancer and the impact advocacy can have on driving change.
Through the Shine a Light on Lung Cancer® initiative, the presentation highlighted the importance of elevating patient voices, honoring those affected by lung cancer, and inspiring action to advance research, support, and hope for everyone impacted by the disease.
Advocacy award recognition
At the Voices Summit, GO2 recognizes and celebrates individuals who have made a meaningful impact in the lung cancer community.
This year, Bruce Dunbar received the 2026 Lung Cancer Voices Summit Advocacy Leadership Award for Excellence in Community Engagement & Awareness for his outstanding commitment to advancing progress for people affected by lung cancer. A lung cancer survivor and volunteer state team leader, Bruce has been a dedicated advocate and an active member of the Voices Summit Planning & Advisory Committee.
Raise your voice year-round
Advocacy does not end when the Voices Summit concludes. The lung cancer community can continue to make an impact year-round by contacting lawmakers and supporting policies that accelerate research, expand access to care, and improve outcomes.
Every message, every meeting, and every story shared helps build the momentum needed to drive lasting change for people affected by lung cancer. Take action today.
Pictures from the 2026 Lung Cancer Voices Summit
Our professional photographer captured many special moments at this year’s Voices Summit. Please review our photo album from the event, and feel free to download, share or post your favorite image to your social media network. Don’t forget to tag us too:
Facebook: GO2 for Lung Cancer
Instagram: @go2forlungcancer
LinkedIn: GO2 for Lung Cancer
Thank you to our 2025 Lung Cancer Voices Summit sponsors
AstraZeneca, Merck, AbbVie, Daiicho-Sankyo, Genentech, Grail, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Novocure, Regeneron, Lilly, Natera, Takeda Oncology
Lung cancer questions? Contact our free HelpLine at support@go2.org or 1-800-298-2436.