March Updates
ACTION, AWARENESS, HOPE
Have You Registered for HOPE Summit Yet?
Don't miss this free, weekend-long conference in Dallas, TX that brings together survivors (including those in treatment) and care partners to connect on their shared experiences, make new friends, inspire hope, and learn from experts in the field.
What's on the Agenda?
New this year is the Small Cell SMASHERS Live track led by Dr. Misty Shields, host of the monthly Small Cell SMASHERS webinar. Connect with others who truly understand the unique challenges of small cell lung cancer with these dedicated sessions.
Additionally, hear from experts at these sessions and more:
- Important Advances in Treating Early-Stage NSCLC
- Long-Term Survivorship Physicians Panel
- Ask Your Nurse Expert Panel
- Taking Care of Yourself While Caring for Your Loved One
- Breakout Groups: ALK, EGFR, KRAS, Rare-Mutations, Non-Mutated, Early-Stage, Long-Term
Check out the full agenda here.
HOPE Summit is free to attend, and the Survivor Challenge program can help you fundraise to cover hotel and travel costs.
Spring into Screening - Health Starts with a Conversation
LUNGevity, in partnership with local healthcare and community-based organizations in Washington, DC, invites you to Spring into Screening — a free community event on Saturday, March 21 at the R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center (2730 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington, DC 20032).
Take charge of your health and learn about the importance of screenings for lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate health. You’ll have the opportunity to speak directly with healthcare providers, get your questions answered, and find out which screenings are right for you — and how to sign up.
Bring your family, friends, and neighbors, because caring for your health is better together! Enjoy a free lunch, explore our resource fair to connect with local organizations that support healthy living, and enter to win exciting prizes and giveaways.
- Free to attend
- Trusted health information
- Community connections
- Prizes and giveaways
Your health matters — spring into action and get screened!
SCIENCE & RESEARCH CORNER
LUNGevity is committed to bringing our community the most current, credible insights in lung cancer. Our expert research team stays closely connected to emerging science and real-world trends so we can translate complex developments into clear, helpful information for patients, caregivers, and advocates.
Special Editorial: The State of Lung Cancer
Recent reports celebrate the news that 70% of patients with cancer in the United States survive for five years or more. This is a remarkable achievement. However, this milestone doesn’t reflect the reality of many patients with lung cancer.
To help patients and families understand the current state of lung cancer, Upal Basu Roy, PhD, MPH, Executive Director of LUNGevity Research, shares his expert perspective in a special editorial article. With deep scientific expertise and a strong commitment to patient-centered progress, Dr. Basu Roy explains the meaningful gains for people with lung cancer and the important steps needed to transform lung cancer into a curable disease.
Artificial Intelligence in Lung Cancer: Cutting Through the Hype
Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere in the news, but what does it really mean for people impacted by lung cancer? In this article, we clarify what’s truly exciting about AI in early detection, treatment planning, and clinical trial matching while also highlighting where caution is still needed.
Don’t miss the accompanying video, where Dr. Brittany McKelvey and Dr. Sandip Patel offer an insightful discussion on how AI is supporting clinicians today, where risks arise, and what the future may hold for improvements in patient care.
FDA Approval Expands Options for Treating HER2+ NSCLC
Treatment options just expanded for newly diagnosed patients with HER2+ NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer). On February 26, 2026, the US FDA granted accelerated approval to zongertinib for adults with advanced NSCLC whose tumors have HER2 (ERBB2) mutations. This exciting news marks the first targeted therapy to be approved to treat HER2-mutant NSCLC as a first-line treatment. Learn more about the recent approval here.
Don't Miss Out!
Our research newsletter keeps you up to date on all the latest scientific developments in lung cancer. Subscribe now and watch for the next issue coming soon.
Bringing Lung Health Education to the Community
LUNGevity is proud to be the non-profit partner for the 2nd year in the LungXperience Tour, a national mobile health initiative created by AstraZeneca and Kroger Health. LUNGevity will be on-site at 21 events nationwide, helping more people understand lung cancer facts, eligibility for screening, and why early detection matters.
By meeting people where they are, the LungXperience breaks down myths, reduces stigma, and ensures more individuals have access to trusted, science-based information about lung health.
Last month, we visited Echo Park Speedway in Atlanta, GA, and connected with hundreds of NASCAR fans! We have 20+ more scheduled throughout 2026.
Team LUNGevity: Adding Meaning to the Miles
In memory of her mom, Emily Fusco is lacing up for her very first race – the 11-miler at the Big Sur International Marathon. It’s been 20 years since losing her mom, and Emily is determined to honor her and make a difference through her miles.
“Even though we have come far with cancer treatments since my mother died, the impact of lung cancer remains very real for countless families. Lung cancer remains the leading cancer killer. Running this race feels like a powerful way to honor her life, her battle, her strength, and the love she gave- while also supporting a future where fewer families have to experience this loss.”
It’s not too late to join Emily in Big Sur on April 26! Team LUNGevity has limited entries remaining for the marathon. Registration closes March 20.
Not ready for a full marathon next month? Check out www.teamlungevity.org for our 2026 calendar of events!
TWO CITIES. TWO CELEBRATED GROUPS. ONE AMAZING CAUSE—LUNG CANCER RESEARCH
Freestyle Love Supreme – Live at TRIBECA 360
Join us for Freestyle Love Supreme – Live at TRIBECA 360° in New York City on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. This unforgettable evening will feature the award-winning hip-hop improv sensation founded by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Created entirely in the moment, this high-energy performance blends music, comedy, and audience collaboration into a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t see anywhere else. Every beat, rhyme, and laugh supports the mission of LUNGevity Foundation, with proceeds benefiting lung cancer research, early detection efforts, and more effective treatments to help people live longer, fuller lives. Join us and bring your friends to be a part of shaping our story that evening- with a dose of fun, creativity, and community.
Laughs for LUNGevity
Get ready for a night of big laughs and even bigger impact at Laughs for LUNGevity on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at The Second City – UP Comedy Club Theatre in Chicago.
The evening kicks off at 7:00 PM with a lively cocktail reception, followed by The Best of Second City: 65 Years of Funny — a 90-minute showcase of the theatre’s most beloved scenes, songs, and legendary improv moments.
This unforgettable night brings the community together in support of LUNGevity Foundation, the leading nonprofit transforming how people are diagnosed and live with lung cancer through research, education, and support.
Tickets are now available, including a limited number of Early Bird tickets at $150 (only 100 available through May 13). Sponsorship opportunities are also open for organizations and individuals looking to elevate their impact while gaining valuable visibility.
Join us for an evening where laughter meets purpose — and help transform the future of lung cancer.
Join the LUNGevity Action Network!
Make your voice heard with the LUNGevity Action Network! Take a moment to write your legislators about policy priorities for the lung cancer community. You can find all of our current advocacy campaigns on the Take Action page. You can also sign up to receive email updates on policy news, upcoming events, and advocacy opportunities.
In Case You Missed It
LUNGevity is transforming what it means to be diagnosed and live with lung cancer.
Support our mission by making a tax-deductible donation today.
