The Lung Cancer Research Foundation’s annual Evening of Innovation gala celebrated scientific discovery and the remarkable people who have contributed to the progress being made in the lung cancer space. The event raised more than $650,000 for lung cancer research that will continue lifesaving breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment.
This year’s gala, held at The Metropolitan Club in Manhattan on Sept. 24, honored Mark G. Kris, MD, thoracic oncologist and the William and Joy Ruane Chair in Thoracic Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Kris was a vital member of LCRF’s Scientific Advisory Board for over 10 years and played an essential role in building its research program. His guidance to the founding members of LCRF shaped its strategic trajectory, and his leadership and direction empower LCRF to fund the brightest minds and make the biggest impact for patients.
From the speech given by Dr. David Hidalgo outlining the highlights of Dr. Kris’s extraordinary career; to the testimonials given by patient Tejal Patel and others whose lives he touched; to the special guest appearance of Debby Boone; to the applause of the room; and the sheer number of family, friends, colleagues, mentors and mentees in attendance; it was a truly meaningful evening.
Dr. Kris, in his acceptance speech, acknowledged everyone that helped shape his career as a clinician and a scientist, and shared his vision of the future of lung cancer research. He began and ended by encouraging everyone in the room to work toward a cure for lung cancer. “When you lay your head down on the pillow tonight, dream about a cure. Because if you can dream of it, a cure can happen.”
- Watch a short video about Dr. Kris.
- Read a testimonial from a patient.
- Read the press release here.
- View the full photo gallery here.
A few words about Dr. Kris
“Life can turn on a dime.” It’s a phrase we all know. Yet at age 62, I never thought that saying would apply to me.
But it did. My life was forever changed on a cold morning in January 2017 at my first appointment with Dr. Mark Kris.
Dr. Kris told me I had Stage Four lung cancer and that I was a very sick woman. He urged me to get my financial affairs in order and that I qualified as “disabled” in medical parlance.
My focus instantly shifted to receiving the best medical care possible to extend my life. And thus began my continuing journey with Dr Kris, one that has had its ups and downs, but that makes me hopeful it will last many more years.
Early on, Dr. Kris recommended I participate in a drug trial protocol that combined Avastin and Tagrrisso, two different cancer drugs. Today, I remain on Tagrisso.
Because the tumors had shrunk substantially I was then able to have surgeries at the one-year and 4-1/2-year marks to remove cancerous tissue from my right lung. But today, I am “no evidence of disease,” I feel great, and I walk more than five miles daily.
I attended my son’s wedding in 2022, I continue to work, and I enjoy a full and rich life. For all of this, I have Dr. Kris to thank.
For the last seven years, I have depended on his medical prowess, as well as his empathy and attention. I think of him as my savior and real-life guardian angel.
Dr. Kris saved my life, against all odds. I remain on his prescribed therapy regimen, and he continues to oversee the treatment of my disease. I give thanks to Dr. Kris with every breath I take.
I am so grateful to you, Dr. Kris. A heartfelt thanks to you for saving my life and those of so many others. Your extraordinary reputation is widespread.
When others ask me who my physician is and I tell them it’s Dr. Kris, the responses are unanimous. “He’s the best,” they tell me. And that is absolutely true.
– Anonymous
