At its annual awards dinner in Chicago on June 27, the American Lung Association recognized Michelle McMahon from Western New York and Allen Wentworth from Colorado as the 2025 Volunteers of the Year.
“Over their years of volunteering for the American Lung Association, Michelle and Allen have demonstrated unwavering commitment to raising awareness of lung cancer, supporting research and providing aid to those affected by lung disease,” stated Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “We are proud to recognize their incredible contributions and celebrate the impact they have made in their communities and across the country.”
Michelle McMahon is a 15-year lung cancer survivor who has dedicated her life to lung cancer awareness, advocacy, and support. Since her diagnosis in 2009, she has worked to ensure that no family faces a lung cancer diagnosis alone. She founded the Take a Breath for Life Foundation, which became a formal partner of the American Lung Association in 2020. Through this partnership, she raised over $130,000 for lung cancer initiatives. McMahon also serves on the Local Leadership Board in Western New York.
Beyond her work with the association, McMahon is involved in her local community as Chairman of the Board for Bread of Life Outreach Center. This food pantry serves five rural towns in western New York. She delivers Meals on Wheels and participates in various community initiatives addressing education, recreation, food insecurity, and more.
Allen Wentworth has impacted lung health through leadership, education, and advocacy. As a respected respiratory therapist and educator, he serves as Chair of both the Local Leadership Board in Colorado and Co-chair of the Colorado Lung Health Committee. He also chairs the annual Moving Mountains Patient Symposium.
Wentworth’s mentorship shapes future respiratory professionals while his advocacy efforts contribute to advancing national lung health policies.
The Volunteer of the Year awards honor individuals demonstrating outstanding commitment against lung disease. For more information about McMahon, Wentworth or other awards from the association please visit their website.
