NORTH SMITHFIELD – A woman who has worked to educate others about lung cancer while fighting her own battle against the deadly disease was nominated by colleagues as a Lung Cancer Hero, with an essay on her dedication featured in a new book beside stories of other advocates and survivors.
Jutta Becker was nominated for the recognition in an essay by Jennifer Wall in the Lung Cancer Heroes CURE 2020 Essay Book. Wall describes Becker’s efforts to educate herself about lung cancer, noting that soon after her diagnosis in 2012, the North Smithfield resident became involved with the G02 Foundation for Lung Cancer, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation.
“She attended forums, trainings and events, and she scoured the internet for lung cancer information from trusted sources,” wrote Wall.
Becker also discovered the American Lung Association and joined the LUNG FORCE movement, helping to raise awareness of the disease, and appearing on a PBS broadcast in 2015.
“‘Passion,’ is Jutta’s middle name,” wrote Wall. “She is a seasoned advocate who is persistent about continuously advocating for a better quality of life for everyone who is affected by lung cancer.”
Becker, who was born in Germany, serves on the LUNG FORCE Walk planning committee, and her team, “Jutta’s Amigos,” has cumulatively raised more than $15,000.
She is also reportedly involved in federal advocacy initiatives, and was chosen twice to attend LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.
“If there is an opportunity to raise awareness about lung cancer, Jutta seizes it,” wrote Wall. “Jutta has shared her story with hopes of educating large audiences through the Providence Business News and HuffPost website.”
“A quarter of her personal Facebook posts focus in one way or another on lung cancer advocacy, education, inspiration and appreciation,” Wall added. “Couple this with the exorbitant amount of time she has spent volunteering and making a difference in the lives of everyone affected by lung cancer, you unequivocally, undeniably have a hero in need of recognition.”
Wall’s full essay can be found here.
