Statement by the American Lung Association in California On the Death of President and CEO, Jane Warner

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Last week, the American Lung Association in California lost a true visionary and leader as President and CEO, Jane Warner, died unexpectedly in Palm Springs, California on Friday, August 30.

Jane was born to lead. She was forthright and fearless in her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, and she deeply inspired those she met with her energy, generosity, determination and warmth. 

Jane was a true champion for clean air and all who struggle to breathe.  In the four short years she led the American Lung Association in California, she fought back efforts by the oil industry to weaken our clean air laws, she battled Big Tobacco to protect the health of children and families, and she worked tirelessly to expand our programs and services in support of those suffering from lung disease.   She was the face of the American Lung Association in California and an effective and vibrant leader in our mission to save lives and improve lung health.

She was passionate about children never starting to smoke, and committed to helping people quit smoking. The fact that Californians breathe some of the dirtiest air in the country only made Jane work more tirelessly to advocate for cleaner fuel standards and less cars on the road. From kids with asthma to adults coping with emphysema and chronic bronchitis, Jane was on their side, a true advocate, and friend.

Jane Warner proudly carried the banner of our 109-year-old organization that all but eradicated tuberculosis from our vocabulary, and was working to blaze a trail in California to take on the 21^st century scourge of lung cancer, the number one cancer killer in the United States.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of the American Lung Association in California, we remember and honor our extraordinary leader, Jane, and as she would urge us all, we will double our efforts in the fight for clean air and healthy lungs. We are a better organization because of her leadership and she will be deeply missed. 

Our Board of Directors is on task to secure a strong leader to build on Jane's legacy, and we are proud to have a solid staff infrastructure already in place to lead the charge in the interim.

The entire Lung Association community offers its support and sympathy to Jane's family, her partner, Kathleen, and all her friends and colleagues throughout the years during this most difficult time. An obituary placed by her family in Tennesseecan be seen here. 

A private service will be held for Jane in her home state of Tennessee, and a memorial will take place in Palm Springs, date to be determined.

Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lung.org/california.

Contact: Maria Bernabe, Maria.Bernabe@lung.org, 310.735.9184

SOURCE American Lung Association in California