Special Edition: COVID-19 and Lung Cancer

Message from Andrea Ferris, President and CEO

I hope you and your loved ones are well and staying safe during this challenging time. It has been an extraordinary two weeks as we all adjust to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

As we continue to navigate through the evolving challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to remind you that LUNGevity is here for you.

Although we are currently keeping physical distance between each other, we realize the importance of keeping you connected and informed. LUNGevity has created a one-stop site to bring you expert information and useful resources. Learn more at www.lungevity.org/COVID-19.

I am encouraged by the teamwork that we are seeing to tackle the pandemic across all levels of society, especially within our lung cancer community.

We are proud to remain a dedicated, close community—even from 6 feet (or more) apart.

Fund to Support Patients Affected by COVID-19

LUNGevity has launched Breathe Easier: An Emergency Response Fund to help financially support life challenges for lung cancer patients and their families during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Patients who are in active treatment and meet the household income criteria can apply for funds for critical, basic needs, such as food, transportation, and general household expenses. Support in the amount of $500 will be provided to eligible patients and their families.

Patients can call the Lung Cancer HELPLine (844-360-5864), a free support phone service in partnership with CancerCare, to apply to the Breathe Easier fund.

Update from Upal Basu Roy, PhD, MPH, Vice President of Research

Conversations with experts continue

LUNGevity is dedicated to continuing to provide accurate, up-to-date information on the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affects people with lung cancer. The information is also available in Spanish.

To date, we have interviewed five experts, including:

Dr. Narjust Duma, University of Wisconsin in Madison, who answered questions most relevant to the lung cancer community regarding COVID-19 in Spanish
Dr. Kristin Higgins, Emory University, who answered questions about the virus from the perspective of a radiation oncologist
Dr. Robert Winn, Director of Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, who answered questions about the virus important to lung cancer communities and their families. Dr. Winn is an advocate for community-based healthcare and a champion for health equity.

We will be posting new interviews each week and sharing expert information as it becomes available to keep you and your family safe. Check back often for new videos.

Update from Katie Brown, VP of Support and Survivorship Programs

We're here for you

We recognize the impact that the COVID-19 outbreak and sheltering-in-place is having on our vulnerable lung cancer population. While we must remain separate, it’s never been more critical that we stay connected amid the current stress and uncertainty.

Here is a list of free services and resources we are committed to offering you; our Survivorship team is standing by to provide support.

LifeLine Support Program - This is LUNGevity’s phone buddy program. Peer mentors are ready to connect with you to provide phone support.
Lung Cancer HELPLine - Our dedicated oncology social workers in partnership with CancerCare are readily available to take your calls at 844-360-5864.
Lung Cancer Support Community - LUNGevity’s online message board has more than 13,000 users. Our staff and volunteer moderators are ready to connect with you across multiple forums, topics, and posts.
Private Facebook groups - Our robust communities are there for you to connect with other patients and caregivers and share information Find out more about the groups and how to join here.
International Lung Cancer Survivorship Conference (ILCSC) Zoom meetup groups - While we can’t physically be together at this time, we can still connect during our Friday Zoom meetups, either midday or early evening. We have multiple meetups running simultaneously. Join once or multiple times to meet new people and see old friends. Meetups are groups of ten people who have registered for the conference and are interested in connecting. If you would like to participate, register for the Conference and be on the lookout for weekly sign-up emails.

Over the next few weeks and months, we will continue to find new ways to connect with you.

Please reach out to support@lungevity.org or 312-407-6116, or call our helpline at 844-360-5864, if you are feeling isolated. The beauty of technology is that we don’t have to go through this alone.

COVID-19 Tips and Advice for Caregivers

We understand that caregivers have special challenges during these difficult times. We offer Tips for Caregivers During COVID-19 on our blog.

Check out our new Self-care During COVID-19 website to find more helpful resources.