On Nov. 1, over 50,000 people will run the TCS New York City Marathon – and 32 of them are part of Team LCRF.
We are rooting for all of our marathoners, and congratulate them on raising $230,300 so far for lung cancer research.
Here are this year’s Team LCRF members. Many of them shared their mission and some fun facts about their training. Click to read more about each of them!
Jill Morningstar named Board chair; Aileen Murgatroyd and Jill Frizzley join Board of Directors
NEW YORK, NY (October 20, 2026) – The Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF) today announced Jill Morningstar as Chair of its Board of Directors. Morningstar, who has served on LCRF’s board since 2024, succeeds Colleen Conner Ziegler, who has led the board since 2023. Ms. Conner-Ziegler will remain on the LCRF’s Board of Directors and continue to support its mission.
LCRF also welcomes two new members to its Board of Directors: Aileen Murgatroyd, Chair and co-founder of Research ALKay+ve in the United Kingdom, and Jill Frizzley, President of Wildrose Partners, LLC.
In 2018, Morningstar’s husband, Al Fitzpayne, was diagnosed at age 46 with stage IV EGFR-positive lung cancer. Al was active and healthy, with no known risk factors and no history of tobacco use. Advances in lung cancer research and treatment have helped make his continued survival possible.
Morningstar has since become a leading advocate for the lung cancer community, including chairing the LungCAN Steering Committee’s efforts to secure increased federal funding for lung cancer research in 2022. Her career has included work in the United States Congress, including with the House Education and Labor Committee under Chair George Miller, Senator Paul Wellstone, and Congressman Barney Frank, as well as with advocacy organizations including the Children’s Defense Fund, the Earl Warren Institute at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, and the Israel Association for Ethiopian Jews.
“I am looking forward to this expanded role and to working even more closely with the LCRF Board of Directors and leadership team,” said Jill Morningstar. “My husband Al is alive today because of research, and continued research gives us hope that he’ll be there for the milestones every husband and father dreams of sharing. So much progress has been made in lung cancer research, and by funding the most promising science, we can make real change for people who are living with this disease – but it will take everyone who cares about lung cancer research to ensure it gets funded. I know firsthand what advances in research can mean for patients and families, and I am deeply committed to helping LCRF create the conditions for the discoveries that come next.”
“Serving as LCRF’s Board Chair has been one of the great honors of my life, and I am proud of the strategic vision we have built together,” said Colleen Conner Ziegler, outgoing Board Chair. “I am thrilled to pass the baton to my friend and colleague Jill Morningstar. Jill’s dedication to advancing lung cancer research, and the energy and leadership she brings to everything she does, make her exactly the right person to lead this board into its next chapter. My commitment to LCRF’s mission does not end here, and I look forward to supporting Jill and this board in the work ahead.”
“I am grateful for Colleen’s leadership over the last three years – her impact will be felt for years to come. She has built a strong foundation that will allow LCRF to continue funding great research. I also want to congratulate Jill Morningstar on stepping into this expanded leadership role as our new Board Chair,” said Aubrey Rhodes, LCRF Executive Director. “Jill’s steadfast support of advancing lung cancer research and her strong leadership have already had a tremendous impact on the lung cancer community and on LCRF, and I look forward to building on our vision together with her in the years ahead.”
“I am also delighted to welcome Aileen Murgatroyd and Jill Frizzley to our Board of Directors,” Rhodes continued. “Both bring very personal connections to lung cancer, along with significant advocacy experience and an unwavering commitment to research. Their perspectives will strengthen our work to accelerate discovery, deepen collaboration, and improve outcomes for people affected by lung cancer.”
Aileen Murgatroyd is Chair and co-founder of Research ALKay+ve, a UK charity established in 2020 to advance research for ALK-positive lung cancer in memory of her daughter Kay, who was lost to lung cancer at the age of 24. Following her daughter Kay’s diagnosis with stage IV ALK-positive lung cancer at age 17, Murgatroyd became a passionate advocate dedicated to accelerating research and improving outcomes for people with oncogene-driven lung cancers.
Under Murgatroyd’s leadership, Research ALKay+ve has become a respected international partner, funding innovative research and collaborating with leading lung cancer organizations, including LCRF. Murgatroyd has raised more than $250,000 to support research through LCRF, and she currently serves as a Research Advocate for the Foundation.
Jill Frizzley is a lung cancer survivor, patient advocate, attorney, business leader, and fundraiser whose personal experience has strengthened her commitment to advancing lung cancer research.
Diagnosed with stage I lung cancer in early 2025, Frizzley learned through genomic testing that her cancer was driven by a rare RET fusion. Her experience reinforced her understanding of the importance of research in improving detection, treatment, and outcomes for people affected by lung cancer. Although her lung cancer was found early, Frizzley has spoken openly about the reality that many others are diagnosed at later stages – and that her own cancer may recur – and research is crucial for more and better treatment options.
Since her diagnosis, Frizzley has become an active advocate, supporting others facing lung cancer, raising awareness, and helping generate funding for research. She brings both her personal experience and professional expertise as an independent director on boards of companies across a wide range of industries, to her role on the LCRF Board of Directors.
###
About the Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF) The Lung Cancer Research Foundation® (LCRF) is the leading nonprofit organization focused on funding innovative, high-reward research with the potential to extend survival and improve quality of life for people with lung cancer. LCRF’s mission is to improve lung cancer outcomes by funding research for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of lung cancer. To date, LCRF has funded 450 research grants, totaling nearly $53 million, the highest amount provided by a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding lung cancer research. For more information about the LCRF grant program and funding opportunities, visit LCRF.org/research.
Contact: LUNG CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION (LCRF) Sheila Sullivan Sr. Director, Marketing & Communications ssullivan@LCRF.org
What does fundraising for lung cancer research mean to you?
Fundraising for lung cancer research is deeply personal to me. After losing my dad to a thoracic cancer, I’ve seen how critical continued research can be toward improving early detection, treatment options, and survival rates. Supporting this mission means turning that experience into an action.
Who do you run for?
I am running in memory of my dad, who passed away from mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs. He was a lifelong runner and a marathoner, and I grew up watching him train nearly every day. Although we never ran together, he used to sprint us kids at the end of football practice when he was coaching, and I still remember the first day I beat him. Running has become the place where I feel closest to him, and this marathon is a way to honor both his legacy and his strength.
Fill in the blanks!
I run because it grounds me and gives me clarity.
My mantra on tough runs is “keep moving.”
The first thing I’ll do after crossing the finish line is celebrate the miles (most likely while sitting down).
Onmyrunningplaylist: Give It All You Got. My running playlist isn’t really a playlist, I put on Two Friends “Big Booty Mix” (all Volumns) and just enjoy the mashups.
What does fundraising for lung cancer research mean to you?
Lung cancer has changed my world. After losing both of my parents to lung cancer, there have been plenty of moments of feeling helpless. This opportunity to contribute to the efforts of LCRF gives me a chance to be a small part of providing hope to someone else that is impacted and hopefully a future with many more positive outcomes.
Who do you run for?
My dad, Robert Williams, and my mom, Darlene Williams
Fill in the blanks!
I run because it makes me feel close to my dad.
My mantra on tough runs is”it’s all temporary”
The first thing I’ll do after crossing the finish line is probably cry, then eat a burger
Onmyrunningplaylist: Unstoppable, Sia
My training partner: I have a remote training partner. My friend Sara and I call eachother and chat to keep company on long runs. It’s the best.
What does fundraising for lung cancer research mean to you?
Fundraising for lung cancer research means so much to me! After losing my Dad to lung cancer in 2023, fundraising for a cure to help people battling lung cancer, like my dad, means everything.
Who do you run for?
My Dad
Fill in the blanks!
I run because we need a cure.
My mantra on tough runs is “his lungs, my legs.”
The first thing I’ll do after crossing the finish line is hug my family!
Onmyrunningplaylist: Thunderstruck
Mytrainingpartner: One of my best friends and motivators, Sam!
What does fundraising for lung cancer research mean to you?
Fundraising for lung cancer research means a lot to me. My former college teammate was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer last summer which took us all by surprise because it didn’t seem feasible with him being a healthy former college athlete. This is what opened my eyes to the importance of lung cancer research and has motivated me to make a difference within the lung cancer community as well as live a life of fulfillment.
Who do you run for?
I’ll be running in honor of my former college teammate Tyler Corbitt.
Fill in the blanks!
I run because doing difficult things is always worthwhile
My mantra on tough runs is “sweetness after difficulty.”
The first thing I’ll do after crossing the finish line is hug my friends and family and then go find myself a cold Guiness.
Onmyrunningplaylist: Reelin’ In The Years – Steely Dan
On my rest day: My rest day consists of going on a walk with an iced americano in hand.
What does fundraising for lung cancer research mean to you?
Fundraising for lung cancer research is deeply personal to me because my dad, who is truly my best friend, is currently battling lung cancer. Watching someone you love go through something this heavy changes everything. It makes the cause feel urgent, human, and impossible to look away from.
For me, fundraising is a way to take all of the fear, love, heartbreak, and hope that comes with this experience and turn it into action. It means fighting for better treatments, more research, and more time for families like mine. Running the marathon is one part of it, but raising money for lung cancer research is what gives it a deeper purpose. I’ve often felt helpless in this fight, and this gives me a way to feel like I’m part of creating change.
Who do you run for?
I’m running in honor of my dad, who is currently battling lung cancer. He’s my best friend, and this entire journey is for him, for our family, and for everyone impacted by this disease.
Fill in the blanks!
I run because I can.
My mantra on tough runs is “breathe.”
The first thing I’ll do after crossing the finish line is hug my dad.
Onmyrunningplaylist: This Is What I Mean by Stormzy
Mytrainingpartner: Tori Latimer is my training partner!
What does fundraising for lung cancer research mean to you?
Fundraising for lung cancer means so much more to me than raising money. It is about the people in our lives who have faced this disease and the families and friends who have stood beside them every step of the way. It is about the strength, courage, and love that show up in the hardest moments.
So many of us know someone who has battled lung cancer. A family member, a friend, someone in our community. Watching someone you care about go through that fight changes you. It reminds you how precious time is and how important it is to support one another.
This fundraiser is my small way of honoring those who have fought, supporting those who are still fighting, and standing with the families who carry the weight of this disease every day. Every donation, every share, and every bit of support means that people going through this are not alone.
I am incredibly grateful for everyone who supports this cause. Your kindness, generosity, and willingness to stand behind this mission truly means the world.
Who do you run for?
I am running in honor and memory of close friends and family who have battled lung cancer, and for everyone who has been affected by this disease. Seeing people you care about face something so difficult leaves a lasting impact, not only on them but on everyone around them.
This run is for the strength they showed, for the families who stood beside them, and for the friends who continue to carry their stories forward. It is a way to remember them, honor their fight, and support the many others who are still battling today.
Close friends and family are at the heart of why this means so much to me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do something that helps raise awareness, support research, and bring people together around a cause that touches so many lives.
Fill in the blanks!
I run because lung cancer has touched the lives of close friends and family. I run to honor those who fought with strength, to remember those we have lost, and to stand beside the families and individuals who are still battling today. Every step is for the people we love and for the hope that one day fewer families will have to experience this disease.
My mantra on tough runs is “dig it out.” When things get hard and every step feels heavy, it reminds me to push a little deeper, find that extra strength, and keep going no matter what.
The first thing I’ll do after crossing the finish line is hug my family and friends who have supported me along the way and take a moment to smile and reflect on what we were able to accomplish together. Raising money for such an incredible cause and finishing a lifelong goal of running a marathon will be something I will always be grateful for.
Onmyrunningplaylist: Viva La Vida by Coldplay. My running playlist is all over the place. It has almost every genre possible and there is absolutely no structure to it, but somehow it works!
What does fundraising for lung cancer research mean to you?
Fundraising for lung cancer research means honoring someone who meant a great deal to me. In November of 2024, I lost a close friend and mentor, Ben, to an aggressive form of lung cancer. Ben was someone I could always lean on for advice, guidance, and encouragement, both in my work and in life.
Running and fundraising is my way of carrying his legacy forward. Supporting lung cancer research means helping move us closer to better treatments, earlier detection, and ultimately a cure so that fewer people have to experience the kind of loss that so many families and friends face. If even a small part of what I do can contribute to that progress, it’s worth every step.
Who do you run for?
Benjamin Bruce
Fill in the blanks!
I run because the impact Ben had on my life deserves to live on.
My mantra on tough runs is “pain is temporary, purpose is forever.”
The first thing I’ll do after crossing the finish line is embrace my wife and son, and be grateful for ability to make a difference.
Onmyrunningplaylist: Emergence – Sleep Token
On my rest days: I love taking my wife and son out to explore whether it’s wandering through local museums, getting lost in nature, or settling in for a cozy movie night at home. With both my wife and me traveling for work, there’s always a new adventure around the corner.
What does fundraising for lung cancer research mean to you? Who do you run for?
It is an honor to fundraise for a cancer that is significantly underfunded. I’m running in honor of the lives and families impacted by lung cancer. I’m running in honor of the people that dedicate their lives to this cause.
Fill in the blanks!
I run because it makes me feel strong.
My mantra on tough runs is you are stronger than you think.
The first thing I’ll do after crossing the finish line is hug my family and friends.
On my running playlist: Empire State of Mind by Alicia Keys I normally run without music…very polarizing! But it helps me focus on my breathing and form.
