About
LUNGevity Foundation is a Chicago-based nonprofit that describes itself as the leading organization transforming how people are diagnosed and live with lung cancer through research, education, and support. Founded in 2001 by seven people who had each been diagnosed with lung cancer, LUNGevity funds scientific research into early detection and treatment, advocates for policy change, and provides extensive support services to patients, survivors, and caregivers.
Mission
LUNGevity's mission is transforming what it means to be diagnosed and live with lung cancer through research, advocacy, and community. Its vision is a world where no one dies of lung cancer. The foundation describes itself as 100% dedicated to increasing lung cancer survival.
What they do
- Scientific research: has awarded more than $55 million in funding since 2002 for research projects focused on early detection and treatment of lung cancer
- Early Lung Cancer Center: focuses on detecting, diagnosing, and treating lung cancer at early, pre-metastatic stages
- Patient-Focused Research Center: incorporates patient preferences into treatment and care decisions
- Public policy and advocacy: convenes organizations to enact practice changes at scale
- Patient support services: a HELPLine, peer-to-peer mentoring, virtual meetups, and online communities
History
The original LUNGevity Foundation was launched in Chicago in 2001 by seven people who had each been diagnosed with lung cancer. In 2008, the death of Patricia A. Stern from Stage IV lung cancer prompted her family to establish Protect Your Lungs. In June 2010, LUNGevity Foundation and Protect Your Lungs merged to create the current organization.
Scale and impact
LUNGevity has awarded more than $55 million in research funding since 2002 and operates two U.S. offices, in Chicago and Maryland. It maintains multiple advisory bodies, including a Scientific Advisory Board and community engagement councils.
Financials
Per ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (IRS filings, fiscal year ending June 2025), LUNGevity reported revenue of $14,237,969, expenses of $14,555,858, total assets of $6,169,133, and net assets of $5,212,398. Contributions are the foundation's dominant revenue source. LUNGevity is a 501(c)(3) organization with EIN 36-4433410.
Governance
Andrea Stern Ferris serves as President and CEO, per the organization's most recent IRS filing on ProPublica. The foundation is governed by a Board of Directors and advised by a Scientific Advisory Board and senior management team.