The Lung Cancer Research Foundation’s annual gala celebrated scientific discovery and the remarkable people who have contributed to the progress being made in the lung cancer space. This year’s gala spotlighted women in particular – the women surviving lung cancer, the women we remember, the women caring for patients every day, and the women in labs pushing science forward toward a cure.
The gala, held at Cipriani 25 Broadway on Sept. 23, raised nearly $1.5 million to accelerate research, improve outcomes, and bring hope to countless families affected by lung cancer.
Board member Rose Ann Weinstein was honored for her 20 years of extraordinary leadership, generosity, and vision which have helped shape LCRF’s trajectory and advance lung cancer research. In honor of her mother, Sonia, Rose Ann has built a lasting legacy of impact championing research that drives earlier detection, better treatments, and renewed hope for patients and families. Her commitment has made a tremendous impact, and her influence continues to inspire our community to invest boldly in lifesaving science.
“We faced my mother’s diagnosis without a roadmap—without knowing where to turn or who to call. That’s what this community provides. The incredible doctors and researchers in this room help turn panic into plan, and their work has made a real, measurable difference.”
– Rose Ann Weinstein
Narjust Florez, MD, was honored for her trailblazing thoracic oncology, research, and advocacy. Her work has transformed how lung cancer in women is understood, diagnosed, and treated. Through groundbreaking research, the creation of clinics dedicated to women with lung cancer, and the powerful #HearHer campaign to shed light on the delays women face in getting a diagnosis, Dr. Florez has elevated patient voices, challenged inequities, and driven meaningful change in care. Her leadership at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center exemplifies LCRF’s commitment to science that centers equity, compassion, and real-world impact for women and families affected by lung cancer.
“A woman with lung cancer is not just the cancer we see on the scan. A woman with lung cancer is a whole life.”
– Dr. Narjust Florez
Jill Frizzley shared a powerful and poignant personal story of her experience receiving a lung cancer diagnosis. Her words touched everyone in the room as she called for all the attendees to support lung cancer research funding.
“We may never know exactly what caused my cancer. I have no known risk factors, and it is possible that environmental factors played a role. What I do know is that we cannot rely on today’s treatments alone. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, and we need research that helps us detect it earlier and gives people diagnosed at later stages more and better options.”
– Jill Frizzley
While this year’s event was a celebration of the progress made in lung cancer research, each of the speakers underscored the urgent need for more funding. While we have come so far, there is still much work to be done.
A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor for this year’s Gala, AstraZeneca.
Gallery
