Respiratory Health Association

Meet two of our own who are lacing up for Lung Power Team! McKenna Mason and Destiny Williams are running the Chicago Marathon to support healthy lungs and clean air for everyone in our community.

Every mile they run helps fund RHA's work in lung health research, education, and advocacy. Help them reach the finish line by supporting their fundraising pages below. 🫁🏃

Destiny: https://resphealth.donordrive.com/participants/40854
McKenna: https://resphealth.donordrive.com/participants/McKenna-Mason_2026marathon?referrer=mf%3A38185%3Ayou-copy&language=en

Meet Nirupama Putcha, MD, MHS of Johns Hopkins Medicine, recipient of the 2026 Solovy Award for Advancement in COPD! 🎉

Dr. Putcha's research looks at how environmental exposures, like allergens and air quality, impact COPD risk and progression. With this $25,000 award, she's continuing groundbreaking work using environmental exposures to personalize treatment for people living with COPD.

Read more: https://resphealth.org/dr-nirupama-putcha-receives-2026-solovy-award-for-advancement-in-copd/

Mark your calendars — something new is coming! We're thrilled to introduce the Clean Air Classic Charity Bike Ride.

Save the date — August 15, 2027 at Elliot Park in Evanston, IL — for a day of biking, fresh air, and fun for the whole family. Come aLUNG for the Ride and choose your challenge: 100, 75, 50, 25, or 10 miles, or join our 1-mile Family Ride/Walk. Not riding? Come anyway — there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Registration opens January 2027. Sign up for email updates now so you're the first to know when it does at resphealth.org/cac !

Take a look back at Living Better Together® 2025! From expert led sessions to real connections between patients, caregivers, and care teams, last year's conference was one to remember.

This November 19, we're doing it again. Join us at Meridian Banquet and Conference Center in Rolling Meadows for a full day built around living well with COPD. 🫁

Register Here: Resphealth.org/LBT

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Lillian J. Eichner, PhD, recipient of RHA's 2026 Lung Cancer Research Award! 🎉

Dr. Eichner, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, will receive $75,000 to study the LKB1 gene, one of the most frequently mutated genes in non-small cell lung cancer.

Her research could uncover new treatment paths for patients with LKB1 mutant tumors and beyond. We're proud to support innovative work like hers in the fight against lung cancer!

Come support RHA by joining McKenna's Music Bingo fundraiser! 🎶

Our very own Manager of Policy and Advocacy, McKenna Mason, is running the Chicago Marathon on October 11 and raising money for RHA! This Music Bingo night is part of her fundraising mission, and every donation goes straight to RHA and supports our work toward clean air and healthy lungs for all!

Join us September 17, from 7 to 9 PM at Merkle's Bar & Grill (3516 North Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657). $5 requested donation to play.

Grab your friends, test your music knowledge, and help McKenna reach her goal!

⏰ LAST CALL: The EPA's public comment period on the heavy duty diesel truck pollution rollback closes TOMORROW, August 29.

This rollback would let trucks pollute more nitrogen oxide, air pollution tied directly to asthma attacks and lung disease. Chicago families breathe this air every day.

Your voice matters. Submit a comment before it's too late.

Tell EPA to NOT Make Big Trucks MORE Polluting! The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed weakening tailpipe pollution standards for heavy-duty diesel trucks set in 2024. Rolling back these protections would threaten years of progress on clean air and damage your lungs. The EPA set strict tailpipe pollution standards for new d...

🫁 Living Better Together® COPD Conference is back!

Join us November 19, 2026 at Meridian Banquet and Conference Center in Rolling Meadows for a day of education, connection, and support for people living with COPD, their caregivers, and care teams!

💉 NEW this year: Onsite vaccinations available in partnership with Walgreens!

Also expect expert breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall, onsite oxygen, and meals included throughout the day.

👉 Register today: http://resphealth.org/lbt

Living Better Together® COPD Conference November 19, 2026