Every dollar we raise contributes to groundbreaking research, better diagnostic tools, and innovative treatments that can save lives and provide hope to patients and families affected by RET-positive lung cancer.
A Challenge: The Fight Against Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, accounting for nearly 25% of all cancer deaths, yet it remains significantly underfunded compared to other cancers. In the United States, 1 in 16 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer, including 37,500 patients each year with RET-positive lung cancer worldwide. Despite the urgent need, research into RET mutations – a critical area for developing targeted treatments – receives minimal funding.
Fundraising plays a crucial role in bridging this gap. Every dollar raised contributes to groundbreaking research, better diagnostic tools, and innovative treatments that can save lives. More importantly, it provides hope to patients and families affected by this disease, fueling the possibility of a brighter future where lung cancer is more treatable and potentially curable.
By supporting research, we’re not just funding science. We are investing in life-changing possibilities and giving patients a fighting chance with their lung cancer diagnosis.
The Critical Need for Lung Cancer Research
These are the facts:
Lung cancer remains by far the number one cause of cancer death in the United States. In 2020, more people died from lung cancer than breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer combined, according to the American Cancer Society. Despite this fact, lung cancer receives only about 9% of federal cancer research funding. This disparity limits the progress that could be made in understanding and treating this complex disease.
DONATEBridging the Gap with Research
Research is essential to close these funding gaps. Investments in lung cancer research have already led to significant advancements, such as new treatments and targeted therapies that attack specific genetic mutations, including RET gene alterations. These breakthroughs are transforming lung cancer from a once-terminal diagnosis into a condition that, in many cases, can be managed more effectively.
The Power of Early Detection
Early detection saves lives. Research has been instrumental in developing advanced screening technologies like low-dose CT scans, which can identify lung cancer in its earliest stages when it is most treatable. However, more funding is needed to refine these tools and make them widely accessible to those at risk.
Improving Quality of Life for Patients
A lung cancer diagnosis brings not only physical challenges but also significant emotional and practical burdens for patients and their families. Cancer research funding is critical for developing innovative treatments that improve outcomes while minimizing side effects.
Research can pave the way for a future where lung cancer is detected earlier, treated more effectively, and no longer carries such a devastating toll on patients and their families. Every dollar invested in lung cancer research brings us closer to this vision.
How Your Donations Make an Impact
We collaborate with those studying the biology of RET-driven malignancies of all types, regardless of institutional affiliation, so that our efforts can benefit patients affected not just by NSCLC but also those with other RET-driven cancers. We also facilitate development of treatment options for patients who exhibit resistance to existing RET medications. Based on the council of our Scientific Advisory Board, we evaluate late-stage clinical trials that show promise and need funding to complete critical work, as well as novel, early-stage research.
DONATEMeet Our Researchers
RET cancer researchers are dedicated to advancing the field of lung cancer research and improving patient outcomes. They are passionate about their work and are committed to finding new and innovative ways to detect, diagnose, and treat lung cancer. The researchers we fund include experts in various fields, including oncology, genetics, and immunology. They work tirelessly to identify new targets for therapy, develop more effective new treatments, and improve patient care. By donating to support RET cancer research, you can drive progress in lung cancer research and bring hope to those affected by this devastating disease. Meet our Scientific Advisory Board.
Testimonials: Real Stories of Hope and Gratitude
The Happy Lungs Project is more than just an organization; it’s a source of hope, guidance, and unwavering support for individuals and families impacted by RET-positive cancer. But, don’t just take our word for it. Hear from some whose lives have been transformed through our mission:
“I have witnessed firsthand how the Happy Lung Project has transformed the journey of my beloved niece who has lung cancer. I am so grateful for their collaborative approach in bringing together top experts, advocating for and funding critical research, and connecting her with compassionate doctors who truly understand her needs. They have helped her to understand the science and the next steps in this unimaginably difficult time, proving to her that she is never alone in this battle against lung cancer. I am deeply grateful for their support for this young woman as well as their unrelenting focus on research—the only path that will lead to dependable, life-saving treatment.”
— Faanya Rose
“The Happy Lungs Project has transformed my journey with lung cancer. I am so grateful for their collaborative approach in bringing together top experts, advocating for and funding critical research, and connecting me with compassionate doctors who truly understand my needs. They helped me to understand the science and the best next steps during the unimaginable, proving that I am never alone in this fight. I am grateful for their support and their unrelenting focus on research, as that is the only thing that will lead to dependable, life-saving treatments.”
— Anonymous Patient
“The HLP is a lifeline for our RET-positive community. Beyond groundbreaking research and specialized physician access, they bring something essential: hope. And hope is the foundation needed to face and fight this disease.”
— Dolores Parker
“Watching my husband live with stage 4 lung cancer feels like living in everlasting darkness. The world narrows and my focus becomes singular—constantly wondering if each moment will be the last of its kind. It’s crushing, and yet, we have to keep going on in our everyday lives. But then there’s Happy Lungs. It’s more than an organization; it’s hope and a sense of direction. Happy Lungs is that glimmer of light piercing through the darkness, a family I never knew I needed. They understand, they support, and they give us the strength to face each day with something more than fear.”
— Wife, Caregiver, Mom of Two
These powerful stories remind us why our work is so critical and inspire us to continue our mission of supporting patients and driving the research needed for life-saving treatments. Read our Stories of Hope from RET lung cancer survivors.
Get Involved: Community Fundraising
Peer-to-peer fundraising offers an innovative way to make a difference and empowers individuals to create their own campaigns and rally support within their personal networks. By starting a community fundraiser, you multiply your impact, as every friend, family member, or colleague who donates contributes to advancing critical lung cancer research. Sharing inspiring stories of patients, survivors, or researchers can ignite a sense of community and motivate others to join the cause.
Ready to start your fundraiser? Visit our Community Fundraising page and follow these simple steps:
- Create an account and set up your fundraising page.
- Personalize your campaign with a compelling story and photos.
- Share your page with your network via email, social media, or text.
As a community fundraiser, you can advance research to save the lives of RET-positive lung cancer patients and drive the discovery of new, life-saving treatment options.
DONATEWhy Your Support Matters Now
Funding lung cancer research today is critical to saving lives tomorrow. Every moment counts, as new discoveries can lead to earlier diagnoses, better treatments, and improved survival rates.
Your financial contribution will advance research and make a meaningful difference for RET-positive lung cancer patients and their families. Every dollar brings us closer to breakthrough research & a future where RET lung cancer is less devastating and more manageable.
Here are some ways to give:
- Make a donation to The Happy Lungs Project.
- Create a community fundraiser for The Happy Lungs Project and ask your friends, family, coworkers, and loved ones to donate.
- If you’re 70 1/2 or older, make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from your IRA directly to The Happy Lungs Project, which reduces your taxable income.
- Consider a gift to The Happy Lungs Project that leaves a legacy, such as including a gift in your will, leaving a percentage of your retirement plan assets, or donating via your life insurance policy.
To learn more about making a donation to lung cancer research, contact The Happy Lungs Project at info@happylungsproject.org.
Thank you for your support. Together, we can drive innovation, inspire hope, and change the future of lung cancer.
