The Lung Cancer Research Foundation’s annual Evening of Innovation gala celebrated scientific discovery and the remarkable people who have contributed to the progress being made in the lung cancer space. The event raised more than $1.6 million to accelerate research, improve outcomes, and bring hope to countless families affected by lung cancer.
This year’s gala, held at Cipriani 25 Broadway on Sept. 17, honored Raymond E. Chalmé, a dedicated advocate for lung cancer research. Ray, along with his family, founded Elliot’s Legacy – a community kite-flying event named for his father, who died of lung cancer at the age of 56. Elliot’s Legacy has raised more than $8.5 million over the past 18 years.
Joan H. Schiller, MD, received the Founders Award for her visionary work to improve lung cancer outcomes. Dr. Schiller gave a voice to the lung cancer community when she founded Free to Breathe, a nationwide movement raising awareness and funds to support critical research.
Benay Taub shared a powerful and poignant personal story of her experience receiving a lung cancer diagnosis just last year. Her words touched everyone in the room as she called for all the attendees to support lung cancer research funding.
Will Reeve, the son of Christopher and Dana Reeve, made a surprise appearance, sharing with attendees about his mother’s experience with her diagnosis of Stage 4 lung cancer as well as their experience as a family, both through the diagnosis and the loss of his mother from the disease.
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 for lung cancer – it remains the deadliest of all cancers and the most underfunded. While we have come so far, there is still much work to be done.
Watch a short video about our honoree:
Hear remarks from our honoree and speakers:
Click a photo below to enlarge
