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 more than $5 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 (the philanthropic arm of the American College of Chest Physicians) 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.

Hospice emphasizes palliative rather than curative treatment; quality rather than quantity of life.
The dying are comforted. Professional medical care is given, and sophisticated symptom relief
provided. The patient and family are both included in the care plan and emotional, spiritual
and practical support is given based on the patient’s wishes and family’s needs. Trained
volunteers can offer respite care for family members as well as meaningful support to the patient.

Hospice affirms life and regards dying as a normal process. Hospice neither hastens nor postpones
death. Hospice provides personalized services and a caring community so that patients and
families can attain the necessary preparation for a death that is satisfactory to them.

Those involved in the process of dying have a variety of physical, spiritual, emotional and social needs. The nature of dying is so unique that the goal of the hospice team is to be sensitive and responsive to the special requirements of each individual and family.