Collaboration is at the heart of progress in the fight against RET-positive lung cancer. Each of our partners brings unique strengths and perspectives that contribute to advancing research, funding, and patient care.
The Power of Partnership
Advancing breakthroughs in RET-positive lung cancer require collaboration. At The Happy Lungs Project, we support researchers and fund research with the goal of keeping those who are currently living with RET positive non small-cell lung cancer alive, and find dependable treatments for long-term survival.
Below, we highlight the missions of several key nonprofits with which we partner – RETPositive, RET Renegades (program of LUNGevity), LUNGevity, GO2 for Lung Cancer, and Biomarker Collaborative. We also highlight a groundbreaking genetics study with 23andMe that could transform lung cancer care.
RETPositive – Raising Awareness and Driving Research
RETPositive is a community-driven nonprofit organization that supports patients and caregivers affected by RET-positive cancers.
RETpositive aims to improve the quality of life and life expectancy of RET-positive cancer patients by raising awareness, providing community support and advocacy, and funding medical research, including both RET Lung and Thyroid cancers. RETpositive’s commitment to empowering patients through knowledge and resources directly aligns with The Happy Lungs Project’s mission.
RET Renegades – A Patient-Led Movement
RET Renegades, supported by LUNGevity Foundation, is a patient-founded initiative that connects those with RET-positive lung cancer to life-changing information and support. By amplifying patient voices and collaborating with researchers, RET Renegades has created a powerful network that fosters hope and innovation. At The Happy Lungs Project, we are inspired by RET Renegades’ grassroots approach to building community and advancing science.
LUNGevity Foundation
LUNGevity Foundation, the nation’s leading lung cancer organization, is transforming what it means to be diagnosed and live with lung cancer. LUNGevity seeks to make an immediate impact on quality of life and survivorship for everyone touched by the disease—while promoting health equity by addressing disparities throughout the care continuum.
- Through research, we use an innovative and holistic approach to finding lung cancer earlier when it is most treatable; advance research into new treatments so people may live longer and better; and ensure a diverse, vital pipeline of investigators for the future of the lung cancer field.
- Through advocacy, we foster groundbreaking collaborations to ensure all people have access to screening, biomarker testing, and treatment breakthroughs.
- Through community, we educate, support, and connect people affected by lung cancer so that they can get the best healthcare and live longer and better lives.
Comprehensive resources include a medically vetted and patient-centric website, Patient Gateways for specific types of lung cancer, a toll-free HELPLine for personalized support, international survivor conferences, and tools to find a clinical trial. All these programs are designed to help us achieve our vision—a world where no one dies of lung cancer.
GO2 for Lung Cancer – A Comprehensive Advocacy Partner
GO2 for Lung Cancer puts people with lung cancer at the center of everything we do. We’re the go-to for one-on-one assistance, supportive connections, treatment information, and finding the best care close to home. We’re the place to go to learn about the latest research and special initiatives that increase survivorship. We’re the source for improving health policies and leading public awareness to shift this disease from one of stigma to one of hope.
Together, GO2 and The Happy Lungs Project work to ensure that patients with RET-positive lung cancer receive access to cutting-edge care and resources.
Biomarker Collaborative – Expanding Knowledge Through Collaboration
The Biomarker Collaborative is a global, pan-tumor, multi-stakeholder organization under the direction of ICAN, International Cancer Advocacy Network.
The BC strives to encourage all stakeholders in the cancer arena (molecular testing labs, industry partners, academic medical centers, community oncology practices, and healthcare providers) to introduce patients to the most appropriate biomarker-specific patient advocacy organization. In addition to matching incoming patients with the most relevant patient organizations, the BC educates patients and care partners about molecular profiling/comprehensive biomarker testing and leads discussions on potential collaborative research projects. Happy Lungs’ partnership ensures that RET-positive lung cancer research is a focal point in broader biomarker initiatives.
Groundbreaking Collaboration with 23andMe
As we advance the fight against lung cancer, genetics plays an important role in understanding the disease. The Happy Lungs Project, in collaboration with Troper Wojcicki Philanthropies and 23andMe, a leading genetic health and biopharmaceutical company, and 20 lung cancer advocacy organizations, recently announced a groundbreaking study: the Lung Cancer Genetics Study.
The focus of the Lung Cancer Genetics Study is to better understand the genetics of people with lung cancer in order to improve detection, risk reduction, and care. While recent developments in tumor genetic testing and targeted therapies have provided hope and years of survival to many lung cancer patients, lung cancer remains the number one cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the United States. Yet, much remains unknown about the disease and its causes. The de-identified data from the study will be made available to approved researchers, and access to the scientific database will be available to nonprofit researchers and institutions at no cost.
Together, We Create Change
Collaboration is at the heart of progress in the fight against RET-positive lung cancer. Each of our partners brings unique strengths and perspectives that contribute to advancing research, funding, and patient care. At The Happy Lungs Project, we remain dedicated to improving outcomes for RET-positive lung cancer patients. Together with our valued partners, we are creating a future where hope is within reach for everyone facing lung cancer.
