LUNGevity Foundation was founded by seven Chicago-area lung cancer survivors in November 2000 to increase funding for lung cancer research.

Upon being diagnosed with lung cancer, these individuals learned that while tremendous progress had been made in detecting and treating many of the deadliest cancers over the last two decades, little progress had been made to save the lives of individuals diagnosed with lung cancer. This slow progress was due, in great part, to a lack of funding for lung cancer research. While funding for breast, prostate and colorectal cancer research had grown exponentially over the years, there had been no corresponding growth for lung cancer research.

Since its inception in November 2000, the Foundation has committed to co-funding almost $8 million in innovative lung cancer research projects at the foremost cancer programs in America. LUNGevity Foundation partners with the American Cancer Society Illinois Chapter, American Lung Association, American Thoracic Society, Goldman Philanthropic Partnerships, and The CHEST Foundation to make its research awards.

LUNGevity Foundation is the premier grant-making nonprofit organization funding lung cancer research and providing support to people affected by lung cancer.  LUNGevity was named the fastest growing charity in the United States in 2009 by Charity Navigator. It was also given a four-star rating for sound fiscal management in 2008, and named one of the top-ten fastest growing charities in both 2007 and 2008 by Charity Navigator.  

The mission of LUNGevity Foundation is to save lives and to ease the burden of lung cancer on patients and their loved ones. In order to fulfill its mission, the Foundation:

• funds the most promising and innovative medical research into diagnosis, treatment, and cure of lung cancer.
• provides emotional support for lung cancer survivors and their loved ones by creating community.

 

"Foundation History." LUNGevity Foundation. Web.

     14 March 2010.