Local Cancer Control Leader To Be Honored At Houston Climb

One especially notable lung health champion will be honored at the Houston Fight For Air Climb this Saturday, May 21st. Jennifer Cofer, a public health expert specializing in cancer and tobacco prevention, has been named the American Lung Association’s Adult Honoree and will serve as the face of the event.

“We are proud to bestow Jennifer with the inaugural Adult Honoree award,” said Charlotte Maffia, of the Lung Association. “Her work to eliminate lung disease and help those in the Houston community who are suffering from lung health issues is truly remarkable. There is no better recipient to be recognized with this honor.”

Cofer has lived with asthma since childhood because of exposure to secondhand smoke. After helping multiple family members quit smoking, she supported the Lung Association’s asthma research, government relations, and advocacy to advance tobacco control and environmental justice policies. Her work secured monumental victories in lung health such as prohibiting indoor smoking and raising taxes on tobacco products.

She is now in her fifth year serving on the Lung Association’s Leadership Board and Advocacy Committee in Texas. Cofer is also the director of the End Tobacco program and cancer prevention policy at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. She will receive an honoree plaque at the Houston Climb for her outstanding achievements in promoting better lung health in the Houston community. Cofer serves as an inspiration for lung health champions across Texas, overcoming chronic lung disease and advocating on behalf of 3,479,000 Texans living with the condition.

An avid runner having completed over a dozen half-marathons despite her asthma, Cofer will join thousands of participants at Rice University Stadium in climbing over 990 steps to raise awareness for lung disease. The Houston Climb aims to raise $110,000 to advance the mission of the Lung Association. 

To learn more about the event and register, please visit FightForAirClimb.org/Houston.