THE LATEST NEWS
This is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the history and achievements of Black Americans, and LUNGevity's commitment to equitable access to healthcare doesn't fade after February is over. We strive to ensure that all people with lung cancer, regardless of their race or any other factor, have the same opportunities for best-case outcomes and access to trusted resources.
LUNGevity's monthly Conversations that Count series is an invaluable opportunity to stay informed, engage in critical discussions, and learn from top experts who are revolutionizing lung cancer care for people in communities facing barriers.
The public series kicked off in January with Matthew McCurdy, MPH, co-founder of BLKHLTH, an Atlanta-based non-profit organization founded by four graduates from Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health. You can watch the replay where he discusses how to apply social science theory, health equity frameworks, and design to develop creative solutions that improve health outcomes for Black people.
Catch them live! Sign up for the upcoming discussions:
- February 18: Randi Williams, PhD, MPH, Georgetown University – Utilizing Multiple Strategies to Advance Equitable Implementation of Lung Cancer Screening | REGISTER NOW
- March 18: Cardinale B. Smith, MD, PhD, Mount Sinai Health System – Patient Engagement Strategies to Advance Outcomes of Patients with Lung Cancer | Registration will open in March
World Cancer Day — from the Patient's Perspective
On Tuesday, February 4, LUNGevity marked World Cancer Day by hosting "Beyond Clinical Trials: Unique Ways to Unite for Lung Cancer Research." This conversation on Facebook Live was moderated by Bellinda King-Kallimanis, PhD, senior director of patient-focused research, with patient advocates Barry Nelson and Aurora Lucas relating their unique experiences living with lung cancer and how participating in patient-focused research has impacted their lives. Tune in to hear more!
Surgery for Lung Cancer: Options for Improving Outcomes
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24 | 6 TO 7:15 PM ET
Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and LUNGevity are partnering to offer an informative webinar on lung cancer and surgery on Monday, February 24, with thoracic surgeon Stephen R. Broderick, MD, MPHS. Register to hear about lung cancer surgery basics, recent trials, and how surgical options can improve patient outcomes.
A Look at Health Policy in 2025
On February 6, the LUNGevity Action Network (LAN) hosted “What to Expect from Washington in 2025,” a webinar featuring leading health policy strategist Monica Popp and LUNGevity’s senior director of government affairs, Brandon Leonard.
Brandon spoke with Monica about the current policy environment, top issues for the new Congress and administration, and key players in this year’s health policy decisions. They discussed policy priorities for the lung cancer community and how they may be addressed given the new power dynamics in Washington.
To stay in the know about upcoming advocacy events and opportunities, sign up for the LAN email list.
Share the Love: Send a Survivor to HOPE Summit!
I never imagined I would make so many friends with other survivors. I am forever grateful for this experience. I absolutely loved it!
— Brianne, lung cancer survivor and first-time HOPE Summit attendee in 2024
This month we are encouraging our community to share the love and help more survivors like Brianne have a life-changing experience at this one-of-a-kind conference for people living with lung cancer and their families.
Your donation to the Share the Love campaign will help pay for transportation and accommodations for members of the lung cancer community so they can also experience HOPE Summit - connecting with other survivors and learning the latest in living well with lung cancer.
👉 Board Member Spotlight: Barry Nelson
Last summer LUNGevity welcomed new Board of Directors member Barry Nelson, a lung cancer survivor and retired risk management professional. After attending HOPE Summit 2024, Barry was so inspired by the people and energy of the weekend that he wanted to get more involved in the Foundation’s work.
Barry was diagnosed in 2012 with stage 3B non-small cell lung cancer and was originally given only six months to live. With his experience undergoing multiple treatments, participating in clinical trials, and now going years without needing medication or treatment, Barry brings a unique viewpoint and skill set to our Board of Directors.
Barry is also a committee member of the Partners in Clinical Research Conference and the Patient Advisory Council at Kyruus Health, and he co-creates projects for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Initiatives (PCORI). He volunteers with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute as a community ambassador and on a community level in Boston to educate black men about lung cancer.
LUNGevity's Global Reach & International Initiatives
LUNGevity's vision is a world where no one dies of lung cancer. Our work to transform how lung cancer is diagnosed and treated extends around the globe. To accomplish our vision, we partner internationally with clinicians, key opinion leaders, advocacy groups, and people who have been diagnosed with lung cancer. Our work aims to:
- Identify and address barriers to care
- Share innovative resources developed in the U.S. and learn from their experiences
- Foster a global lung cancer community focused on awareness, early detection, and access to lifesaving treatments
A Few Highlights:
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WORKING WITH EXPERTS ON THE GROUND Each region and country has unique needs and diverse insights. These councils are an opportunity to work with international leaders to identify key challenges and develop culturally relevant solutions that will have a direct impact on lung cancer care. |
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FOCUSING ON SPECIFIC POPULATIONS' NEEDS LUNGevity has developed lung cancer resources for members of the Asian-American community in partnership with our industry partners and support from the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) and the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO). These booklets are available in five languages and may be downloaded free on the LUNGevity website. |
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PARTICIPATING IN PAN-AFRICA CONFERENCE |
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LUNGevity's Dr. Upal Basy Roy along with Caleb Egwuenu, an advocate from Nigeria, and Jill Feldman. |
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One of the major takeaways from this first-of-its kind conference was that climate change and rising air pollution levels threaten to increase the burden of lung cancer in low- and middle-income countries in Africa. We must act now as a global community to transform outcomes for those at risk of and diagnosed with lung cancer.
— Dr. Upal Basu Roy
🏃♀️Team LUNGevity Is Heading "Down Under" ...
TO THE TCS SYDNEY MARATHON PRESENTED BY ASICS 🌊
Mark your calendar: Sunday, August 31, 2025, is race day! This iconic event just became an Abbott World Marathon Major, joining the ranks of the world’s most prestigious marathons. Sydney now stands proudly alongside our other international Official Charity Partner events—the BMW Berlin Marathon and Schneider Electric Paris Marathon.
🎉 Shoutout to our fundraising superstar! Dr. Chengchin Chung, a thoracic surgeon from Taiwan, has already raised more than $3,000 to support our mission. Check out his inspiring efforts.
Advances in Treating SCLC
Interested in learning more about treatments for small cell lung cancer (SCLC)? Watch the replay: lung cancer experts Stephen Liu, MD, from Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and Amy Moore, PhD, from LUNGevity explain the current ways doctors treat SCLC and peek into the treatments on the horizon.
LUNGevity's 2025 Research Grant Program
LUNGevity knows that breakthroughs in lung cancer care don’t just happen by themselves; that’s why we consistently invest millions of dollars into lifesaving research.
Every year, we offer a strategic portfolio of research grants that addresses the needs of researchers and patients. This year as scientists face uncertainty about federal funding, our research grants are more important than ever.
LUNGevity is proud to offer these research grants in 2025
- New this year! Mid-Career “Bridge to Breathe” Award
- Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Seed Grant
- Career Development Award
- Health Equity and Inclusiveness Research Fellow Award
- VA Research Scholar Award
The window for scientists to apply for research funding from LUNGevity closes soon. LUNGevity will announce the award recipients and their exciting projects later in 2025.
Learn more about the research LUNGevity funds.
Did You Know?
LUNGevity’s Lung Cancer Patient Gateways provide resources to help you navigate your specific type of cancer, and each one has a semiannual newsletter you can sign up for to receive the latest news directly in your inbox!
Select your cancer type and subscribe today.
Taking a social media break? Stay connected with others living with lung cancer on the Lung Cancer Support Community message boards at forums.lungevity.org.
LUNGevity is transforming what it means to be diagnosed and live with lung cancer. Support our mission by making a tax-deductible donation today.
