Lung Cancer Research Foundation is partnering with KRAS Kickers to fund KRAS-specific research, and we urgently need the support of everyone who cares about unlocking the mysteries of this mutation. Together, we pledge to award at least one two-year grant towards improving outcomes for people with KRAS-mutant lung cancer.
KRAS mutations are found in about a quarter of all patients with lung cancer. It is the most common biomarker associated with lung and other cancers. Researchers have learned different sub-types of KRAS respond differently to treatment.
Donations directed to the LCRF / KRAS Kickers partnership will go directly to an investigator researching KRAS-positive lung cancer. LCRF has been a leader in funding KRAS research, awarding 13 grants totaling $1.3 million – leading to an additional $2 million in funding.
Chiara Ambrogio, PhD, is one of the KRAS investigators whose work has benefited from LCRF funding. “The prestigious grant I received has been instrumental for the trust in the quality of my research, which granted me the opportunity through additional awards to establish my own independent lab to research KRAS-positive lung cancer.”
With your support, we can make more work like hers possible.
Show your support
noviembre is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to educate others about the impact KRAS research can have.
Tell your friends and family how important it is for them to help you kick cancer’s KRAS! Share your personal story.
Begin a Facebook fundraiser and/or host a fundraiser event – take advantage of the holiday season.
“Having KRAS brings us together as KRAS Kickers,” said Terri Conneran, founder of the organization. “This is one of the alliances that truly showcases our KRAS acronym: Knowledge, Research, Advocacy for Survivorship. We choose to work together for better treatments for patients with KRAS-mutated lung cancer.”
If you have questions or need assistance creating a fundraiser, contact Emma Nestler at LCRF: enestler@LCRF.org.
Improving Equity in Lung and Breast Cancer Clinical Trials Wednesday, noviembre 2 | live from 11 AM – 12 PM Eastern
Produced by CancerCoachLive in Partnership with the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, TOUCH, BlackDoctors.org, CancerCare and the Moffitt Cancer Center
Differences in the quality of healthcare experience in the United States is related to many things, including age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or geographic location. Cancer is the leading cause of death among Hispanic/Latino people and the second-leading cause of death among Black people, with lung cancer disproportionately affecting these and other non-White races/ethnicities. However, the majority participants in clinical trials are White (75%), compared to only 11% Hispanic and 8% Black participants.
“Represent Yourself: Improving Equity in Lung and Breast Cancer Clinical Trials,” an hour-long live interactive educational event on improving access to lung cancer clinical trials, takes place on Wednesday, noviembre 2 at 11 AM. An expert panel will discuss why it is important for persons of color to participate in clinical trials that provide access to novel and breakthrough treatments for lung cancer. Panelists will examine common myths and misconceptions about clinical trials.
Patients will learn how to discuss clinical trials with their treatment teams, discover resources to find trials related to lung cancer, and determine if a trial could be the right treatment option for them. A Clinical Trial Resource Hub links to support websites.
To register for this educational session, click here.
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About CancerCoachLive: CancerCoachLive is the leading provider of interactive digital medical education for clinicians, patients, and caregivers. To improve patient care CancerCoachLive creates video-first educational modules with premier partners, so learners can better understand conditions, available treatment options, and the latest research. The company’s proprietary platform allows participants to engage in real-time discussion with scientific, research, and patient care experts. MedLive media contact, Becky Goplin, Marketing Director, MedLive, bgoplin@platformq.com, (414) 840-3907.
Jorge J. Nieva, MD and Isabel Preeshagul, DO, MBS joined us for LCRF’s octubre 2022 #TogetherSeparately livestream, Clinical Trials: What Patients Need to Know.
Introducing our 2022 Team LCRF runners who will be doing the TCS New York City Marathon on noviembre 6! Read more below about this year’s amazing group of marathoners who are raising awareness and fundraising for lung cancer research.
Jake is a restaurant manager whose proudest running moment was completing the Zion Half Marathon.
“It’s important to be a part of Team LCRF to me because my father passed away from lung cancer, and this is my way of honoring him by being able to raise money to help the cause.”
Favorite running partner: “My favorite run partner is anyone who will talk mid run with me.”
Kimberly, a small business owner, completed her first (and only, so far!) marathon in 2009.
“I lost my mom to non-small cell lung cancer in enero of 2020. She was an inspiration of genuine kindness and had the energy of the energizer bunny. I’m running in her honor and to support a great cause.”
What’s on her playlist: “Love listening to podcasts and Lizzo when running!”
Emma, a retail buyer, recently completed her first half marathon while training in the Colorado mountains.
“I am running for LCRF in honor of my aunt, Reina Honts. Reina is one of the lucky lung cancer survivors who received an early diagnosis. She has paid her good luck forward by becoming a vocal lung cancer advocate, serving as an Executive Board Member of the Lung Cancer Research Foundation.”
“Through her, I have learned that lung cancer continues to be the #1 cancer killer for both men and women in the US. I want to help support better options and research for early detection, with the goal of increasing lung cancer survival!”
Favorite food while training: “I have been greatly enjoying my increased pasta intake. I have even tried making it at home! :)”
Sumner, a sports marketing consultant, is proud to have made running part of his everyday life.
“Team LCRF is important to me because it’s given me an avenue to share my grandfather’s story, raise money to fight lung cancer, and learn more about what the foundation is doing to rid the world of this disease. I’m running in memory of him, Paul Sumner, and know he’ll be cheering me on every step of the way.”
Rest day routine: “Major recovery hack – Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs! I use them twice a day. If you can get yourself a pair, your legs will thank you.”
John, an analytics manager, remembers how proud he was to cross the 14-mile threshold when training for his first marathon. “It seemed impossible – until I did it!”
“My dad was diagnosed with NSCLC with EGFR mutation in the summer of 2019. LCRF has been such an incredible resource for me and my family. I am proud to be a part of Team LCRF to help support the incredible work this organization does!”
Favorite food while training: “Long runs make it much easier to justify a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia!”
Michael, a mortgage banker, completed two marathons in 2021 – Chicago and NYC.
“I’m running for Brach Graber – my mother.”
Favorite food while training: “Cold Coke zero after a long run – weird, but it’s my jam.”
Jason, an attorney, is running the NYC Marathon for the first time. But he’s no stranger to long runs – this will be his 8th marathon.
“My father was larger than life until he was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer. While I am thankful that he passed very quickly after his diagnosis, there is not a day in my life that I do not miss him. If I can do anything to prevent another family from going through what I have gone through, I am all in.”
Rest day routine: “What is a rest day???”
Maxx, a partner at Venture Capital, remembers his proudest running moment: “running a solo, impromptu marathon in the Hollywood Hills.”
“I am running on behalf of lung cancer research to support those in my family and all who have been affected by lung cancer.”
What’s on his playlist: “My running playlist is all about mixing it up: from Lane8, to Ridin’ Roads by Dustin Lynch, to hip hop… have to keep it fresh!”
Kaylee, a dental assistant, finished the Chicago Marathon last year and is excited to soon add the NYC Marathon to her accomplishments.
“I am running in honor of Billy Hart, a very close family friend who died of small cell lung cancer in 2020 at the ago of 49.”
Favorite running partner: “I have very special BRF (best running friends) tribe that I have been running with weekly for the last 5 years!”
Paige, who sells medical devices, counts her training 20-miler as her proudest running accomplishment – at least until she does the marathon!
“Team LCRF is important to me because this is the ground breaking research that is going to change lung cancer diagnoses forever. I am running in honor of my mom, Susan Krawczyk Levinsky, who passed away in enero 2005.”
What’s on her playlist: “We Can Do Hard Things podcast for long slow training miles! “
Jazmine is a paralegal, and is proud to be captain of her Ragnar Relay team.
“Raising crucial funds for lung cancer research while training to run 26.2 in my favorite city is a challenge I’ve wanted to undertake since losing my godfather in 2015.”
What’s on her playlist: “I love 90s hair bands, so ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ by Bon Jovi and ‘Pour Some Sugar on Me’ by Def Leppard are some of my favorite songs to run to.”
Amy, a teacher who is current a stay-at-home mom, set a new PR when she completed her 3rd marathon in Philadelphia last nov.
“This fall will be 22 years since my Dad lost his battle with lung cancer, so I am running in his memory. This is my 4th marathon, but it means the most supporting Team LCRF in his memory.”
What’s (not) on her playlist: “Most people are surprised when I tell them that I don’t listen to any music when I run, even on my long runs!”
Sandi, a registered nurse, is proud to reach the finish line at any marathon.
“I am running in honor of my two daughters in memory of their dad, who passed away on noviembre 8, 2021.”
Favorite running partner: “I used to run with my dog, but she can’t run anymore, so now I just run by myself and listen to music!”
Molly, an account manager at Bloomberg, counts the half marathon she ran last spring as her proudest running accomplishment to date.
“I am running in honor of my mom. Four years ago, I got a call telling me she had been diagnosed with lung cancer. I have never felt more powerless or terrified in my life after hearing that. We were so lucky and had a great team of doctors that were able to remove the tumor with surgery and she has been cancer free for four years! Every checkup, I still feel that unbelievable fear and helplessness, so this is my way of taking action. I am running to honor my mom, my biggest role model, greatest champion and the woman who made me who I am today.”
What’s on her playlist: “My running playlist is full of Harry Styles, as every good playlist should be.”
Tracy, a dispatcher, will be doing her 8th marathon this nov.
“I am running in honor of my mom, Susan Powers, who passed away from lung cancer in 2015. I want to educate more people on how susceptible they are to this disease even if they do not smoke.”
What’s on her playlist: “‘Sandstorm’ is my go-time song when I need a pick-me-up. Michael Jackson also a favorite to get me running a little faster. “
Jenn, who serves as Dean of DePaul University College of Law, ran a half marathon only four months after having a lobectomy.
“Being on Team LCRF is important to me to help support much-needed research to ensure more survivors (like me!), more treatment alternatives, and better quality of life. As a recent survivor of lung cancer, I want those diagnosed to see other survivors who are able to continue to run and remain active — which I did not see when I was diagnosed.”
What’s on her playlist: “My running playlist includes pop divas – Madonna, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Brittney.”
LCRF is proud of this fantastic team! Cheer them on as they prepare for the TCS NYC Marathon!
The Lung Cancer Research Foundation’s inaugural Evening of Innovation gala celebrated scientific discovery, honored the work of lung cancer luminaries, and raised funds for research that will save lives. The event, which raised $655,000 for lung cancer research, included a live auction facilitated by Joey Quigley from Christie’s.
New York Times best-selling author Annabelle Gurwitch, a lung cancer advocate and patient, was the evening’s emcee. Read more about Annabelle here. Guest speaker Isabella de la Houssaye shared her experiences as a patient with Stage IV lung cancer.
Dr. Stiles with Raymond J. McGuire
This year’s gala honored Dr. Brendon M. Stiles, who has served as a member on the LCRF Board of Directors since 2015. Notably, he served as Board Chair from 2017-21 and is currently serving as Vice Chair. Dr. Stiles is chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery & Surgical Oncology for Montefiore-Einstein Medical Center in New York City. Raymond J. McGuire introduced Dr. Stiles during the event.
Dr. Hidalgo with Dr. Kris
Dr. Mark G. Kris presented LCRF’s Founders Award to Dr. David Hidalgo, Clinical Professor of Surgery at Weill-Cornell Medical College/New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
The good news. Scientists have discovered one way that air pollution can cause cancer, even in people who have never smoked.
How does air pollution cause lung cancer? The researchers found out that “normal” lung cells in some people who have never smoked have a rare mutation (EGFR mutation); however, most of these people do not get lung cancer. The scientists also found that the chances of these cells becoming cancerous are higher in areas with a lot of air pollution. Finally, using mice, they discovered that the particles in air pollution (called PM2.5) can irritate these cells, causing them to grow and grow until a lung cancer is formed.
Why it’s significant. Smoking is responsible for about 70% of lung cancers, leaving about 30% occurring in people who have never smoked. In fact, if lung cancer unrelated to smoking was classified as its own disease, it would be the 8th leading cause of cancer deaths. While it had widely been accepted that air pollution causes lung cancer, scientists never knew for certain how it did so. Now that we know, scientists may be able to identify ways to prevent PM2.5 from irritating lung cells which already have a EGFR mutation.
These findings were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress this month by Professor Charles Swanton. Cancer Research UK-funded scientists at the Francis Crick Institute and University College London (UCL) have revealed how air pollution can cause lung cancer in people who have never smoked. LCRF grantee, Mariam Jamal-Hanjani, MD, PhD, was a member of this team and her work an integral part of these findings.
Actor, activist, and author teams up with LCRF to increase awareness of lung cancer and honor Dr. Brendon M. Stiles for his service to the foundation and the lung cancer community
NEW YORK, NY (septiembre 21, 2022) – Annabelle Gurwitch, who was diagnosed with Stage IV EGFR non-small cell lung cancer when she went in for a COVID-19 test in 2020, will emcee Lung Cancer Research Foundation’s (LCRF) 2022 Evening of Innovation Gala on septiembre 28, honoring Dr. Brendon M. Stiles. Ms. Gurwitch recently shared opening remarks at the opening plenary session of International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) World Conference on Lung Cancer in Vienna, Austria.
Dr. Brendon Stiles
Dr. Stiles serves as LCRF’s Vice Chair for its Board of Directors and Scientific Advisory Board and is Professor and Chief, Thoracic Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Department of Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery at Montefiore-Einstein, and the Associate Director for Surgical Services in the Montefiore-Einstein Cancer Center. He is actively involved in both clinical and translational research, particularly focusing on lung cancer. His clinical research concentrates on the management of early stage or screen detected lung cancer and on novel multidisciplinary treatment strategies for patients with lung cancer. Having lost his own father to lung cancer in 2005, Dr. Stiles is committed to raising money for lung cancer research, serving as chair of the LCRF from 2017-2021.
Annabelle Gurwitch
Ms. Gurwitch is approaching her 2-year “cancerversary” and has been on a targeted therapy since her diagnosis, about which she has mixed feelings. She shared this personal statement with LCRF:
“My second “cancerversary” is coming up this fall, marking 2 years on a biomarker targeted therapy after being diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer during a routine COVID test. The biomarker targeted therapy has allowed me to continue living with a great quality of life and few side effects. Yes, I once was so overcome with fatigue that I had to lay down on a sidewalk to rest before I could make it the less than one mile from my home and I now drink more coffee than you’d think humanly possible, but there is a caveat: lung cancer is a particularly wily cancer. The cancer figures out how to develop resistance to even these new innovative gene targeted medications.
So, I want to help spread the message that researchers, scientists, and doctors who have dedicated their lives to finding new and innovative ways to identify and treat lung cancer – like Dr. Brendon Stiles – are close to understanding and countering this resistance to treatments. The difference in new advancements comes down to funding. Here’s some perspective:
Lung cancer is still the neglected middle child of cancers overshadowed by breast and colon, both in diagnostic testing and fundraising efforts, even though more people will die of lung cancer than breast and colon cancer, combined.
Per related death, spending: $1,680 for lung cancer research compared to $24,846 for breast cancer.
For me, there’s a ticking clock. My oncologist hasn’t had a patient get more than 5 years on the medication I am now taking. The next line of treatment won’t be as easy to tolerate, will impact my quality of life and, once progression starts, the clock is ticking even faster. I hope to see the resistance overcome; I hope the advancements come in time for me. I’m the mother of a 24-year-old who graduated college during a COVID lockdown, and I want to be around to see them get established, continue to thrive, and (fingers crossed) get to see some grandchildren! But even if the advancement doesn’t come in time for me, I’m determined to see that the next person who receives a diagnosis like mine has a better chance at long term survival.”
Dr. David Hidalgo
In addition to honoring the career and contributions of Dr. Stiles, LCRF will honor Dr. David Hidalgo with its inaugural Founder’s Award. The Founders Award honors individuals who make significant contributions to LCRF and exemplify the spirit and ideals of the founders of the organization.
“We’re so pleased to be honoring both Dr. Stiles and Dr. Hidalgo at this event,” said Reina Honts, chair of LCRF’s Board of Directors. “Dr. Stiles’ personal and professional contribution to lung cancer patients and his commitment to accelerating lung cancer research is immeasurable. We are indebted to Dr. Hidalgo’s long-standing support of lung cancer research and the mission of LCRF. It is my pleasure to recognize them both for their contributions.”
LCRF’s Evening of Innovation Gala is sponsored in part by Bristol Myers Squibb. Supporters of lung cancer research can learn more about the event, which will be held on septiembre 28 at the Metropolitan Club in New York City, by visiting LCRF.org/gala.
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About Annabelle Gurwitch:
Annabelle Gurwitch is a New York Times bestselling author of five books, including her most recent collection of essays, You’re Leaving When? Adventures in Downward Mobility (paperback, spring 2022) a New York Times’ Favorite Book for Healthy Living 2021. Ms. Gurwitch was the longtime host of Dinner & a Movie on TBS, a regular NPR contributor, and has written for The New Yorker, New York Times, The Washington Post, Hadassah Magazine, O Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal, amongst other publications. She co-hosts the Tiny Victories podcast on the Maximum Fun Podcast Network, and recently published an article in the Washington Post titled “Tackling cancer while battling the insurance system.”
Ms. Gurwitch has been an activist for numerous causes including environmental sustainability and housing insecurity. In the Spring of 2020, a routine Covid test led to diagnosis of Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. Ms. Gurwitch wrote about the diagnosis in a widely shared op-ed, “Covid Saved my Life” in the New York Times. Since then, she’s spoken and written about living with lung cancer on Good Morning America, and in interviews on Salon.com, NPR, and numerous other media outlets. Her most recent cancer chronicle was the viral op-ed “The End of my Life was Killing Me” in the Washington Post. Gurwitch is a dedicated atheist and a doting Jewish mother of a 20-something gender queer person. She lives in Los Angeles.
About the Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF)
The Lung Cancer Research Foundation® (LCRF) is the leading nonprofit organization focused on funding innovative, high-reward research with the potential to extend survival and improve quality of life for people with lung cancer. LCRF’s mission is to improve lung cancer outcomes by funding research for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of lung cancer. To date, LCRF has funded 394 research grants, totaling nearly $39 million, the highest amount provided by a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding lung cancer research. For more information, visit LCRF.org.
David Parks is currently cycling from Antler, North Dakota to Del Rio, Texas… a trip of roughly 1,500 miles, all while raising awareness of lung cancer and funds for research. As of sep. 19, he has raised over $8,000!
While David is a survivor of lung cancer, he dedicates the journey to the memory of two childhood friends he has lost to this disease. Christopher “Kit” Blakemore and Warren Humble were diagnosed with lung cancer around the same time as David. “None of us smoked and we maintained high levels of physical fitness, but apparently lung cancer does not read resumes,” David said.
