WHO WE ARE

What started as a grassroots movement of survivors, providers, and advocates in North Carolina in 2006 has grown to become a leading organization that connects lung cancer patients and their loved ones with the medical and research community. Our network of hope and action fuels lung cancer research, furthers education and awareness about lung cancer and supports access to appropriate care, treatment, and resources for the lung cancer community. 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. Please refer to the LCI 2024 Impact Report for more information or visit our website.

YOUR SUPPORT, MAKING A DIFFERENCE

RESEARCH

Since 2008, the Lung Cancer Initiative has funded over $3.5 million in lung cancer research. Our support has jump-started the careers of researchers who have received continued funding from the National Institute of Health, the Department of Defense, and the American Cancer Society.  In 2024, LCI funded $352,000 in lung cancer research through our Research Fellowships, Career Development Award, Vicky Amidon Innovation in Lung Cancer Research Award and our partnerships with LUNGevity Foundation and the Lung Cancer Research Foundation.

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. In 2024, 107 survivors engaged in 17 activities, in person and virtual, throughout the year. In 2024, Cheryl Lecroy joined LCI’s team as Survivor Liaison offering support and resources to lung cancer survivors at all points throughout their journey.

EDUCATION

Community Education - Lung Cancer Initiative delivers education programs designed to educate and empower. In partnership with area cancer centers, community organizations, and other leading experts, these events bring together lung cancer patients, their families, advocates, researchers, and healthcare professionals in an informal venue to discuss topics that are important to them. The events are intended to better the health of anyone who has been impacted by lung cancer, to raise awareness and enhance knowledge, and to connect patients and their loved ones with the medical and research community.     

Healthcare Provider Education - Lung Cancer Initiative is committed to providing healthcare professionals with the most up-to-date information on lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment to ensure the best possible care for lung cancer patients. LCI hosted 3 events in 2024: ASCO Updates in Lung Cancer, A Comprehensive Approach to Treating Lung Cancer and Battle of the Blues: Thoracic Updates from ASCO, World Lung and Beyond.  LCI also partnered with the NC Academy of Family Physicians and the NC Community Health Center Association to reach primary care providers across NC.  

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 are there to empower families to know what to ask their healthcare team, to help them better understand their options and to raise awareness for local resources available.

Awareness – 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 are there to empower families to know what to ask their healthcare team, to help them better understand their options and to raise awareness for local resources available.

ACCESS

Patient Access to Care Gas Card - The Tomma Hargraves Access to Care Gas Card Program supports patients in accessing appropriate care and treatment, including clinical trials.

This program assists 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. Patients may receive up to three $50 gas cards annually. In 2024, LCI provided 492 $50 gas cards to 455 patients in 79 counties in North Carolina.

Patient Emergency Fund - To support lung cancer patients who were financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, LCI established the Patient Emergency Fund in 2020 to help lung cancer patients stay healthy and to meet their basic needs. Recognizing the continued financial burden of a cancer diagnosis, LCI has continued the program and in 2024, 159 patients across 79 counties each received a $100 stipend for a total of $15,900 in funding.

REACH Community Access Grants - Lung Cancer Initiative is currently awarding three REACH Community Access Grants up to $10,000 each to assist institutions with improving access to lung cancer screening, treatment, clinical trials, comprehensive biomarker testing, or precision medicine for uninsured or underinsured individuals. In 2024, LCI received $30,000 in grants through the REACH program. 

GUIDESTAR HIGHEST LEVEL

Lung Cancer Initiative has earned the 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition offered by GuideStar, the world’s largest source of nonprofit information.

Per the IRS, we are a 501(c)(3) organization. Our Tax ID number is 26-2300885. 

Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989. The license is not an endorsement by the State.