WHO WE ARE

As the state’s leading non-profit organization supporting lung cancer research and education, Lung Cancer Initiative specializes in connecting patients, survivors and loved ones with the medical and research community. Our goal is to fuel medical discovery, increase survival and provide a network of hope and action for those affected. We have a high standard of fiscal responsibility for the funds we raise, and we pledge to maintain that standard while increasing advocacy across our state. Click here to learn more about LCI. 

Awareness – Lung Cancer Initiative is committed to increasing public awareness about lung cancer. We do so through our events, education and outreach initiatives as well as other grassroots opportunities.

YOUR SUPPORT, MAKING A DIFFERENCE

RESEARCH

Since 2008, Lung Cancer Initiative has funded more than $3.0 million in lung cancer research. Our support has jump-started the careers of researchers who have gone on to receive continued funding for their work from the National Institute of Health, Department of Defense and the American Cancer Society.  In 2021 alone, LCI is committed to funding $325,000.  

SURVIVORSHIP

We have many resources designed to support lung cancer survivors at all stages of their journey, from diagnosis to long-term survivorship. Our Survivor Steering Committee provides leadership and guidance to LCI in developing the resources that lung cancer survivors need.

EDUCATION

Community Education Series - Through partnerships with North Carolina’s leading cancer centers, community education allows for patients and their families to come together to hear from experts on topics related to lung cancer and research. Past topics include: Updates in Lung Cancer Research, Multidisciplinary Care, Clinical Trials, Advanced Directives, Resiliency During COVID-19, Integrative Medicine, Comprehensive Biomarker Testing and Survivorship.     

Physician Education - We provide educational opportunities for health care professionals throughout North Carolina in order to improve diagnosis, referral and treatment.  In 2021, we an online physician education summit for community oncologists and are participating in the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians annual conference to talk about lung cancer screening. 

Materials Distribution - Lung Cancer Initiative distributes free print and online materials to patients and physician offices, which provide vital information to help patients and their families better understand their diagnosis of lung cancer. These materials help families receive the best care available on their lung cancer journey.

ACCESS

Patient Access to Care Gas Card - This program provides assistance to lung cancer patients who are seeking treatment, including clinical trials.  The goal of the program is to lessen the financial burden for patients to receive appropriate lung cancer treatment by providing gas cards. LCI will distribute 550 $50 gas cards in 2022.

Patient Emergency Fund - In 2020, LCI established a Patient Emergency Fund in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and granted $250 stipends to help 80 patients in meeting basic needs.  In 2021, LCI continued this program by giving 50 patients a $200 stipend.

REACH Community Access Grants - Lung Cancer Initiative is currently awards three REACH Community Access Grants up to $10,000 each to assist institutions to improve access to lung cancer screening, treatment, clinical trials, comprehensive biomarker testing or precision medicine for uninsured or underinsured individuals. 

GUIDESTAR HIGHEST LEVEL

Lung Cancer Initiative has earned the 2022 Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition offered by GuideStar, the world’s largest source of nonprofit information.