Showcasing innovations and progress transforming lung cancer survivorship
On June 13, 2024, GO2 for Lung Cancer hosted an Evening of Excellence in New York City to discuss innovations and progress in lung cancer screening, treatment, and survivorship. Nearly 100 people attended the event, including board members, supporters, partners, and friends with vested interests in our mission. Laurie Ambrose, GO2 president and CEO, was the emcee as we honored a very special guest. This was followed by an engaging panel discussion with leading medical experts dedicated to changing the course of lung cancer.
The evening kicked off with a special presentation of GO2’s 2024 Rays of Hope Award for Excellence in Community Engagement and Awareness. Among GO2’s most prestigious awards, it recognizes those who demonstrate outstanding efforts to raise national awareness and bring tangible hope to the lung cancer community. This annual award was established in 2019 in memory of former GO2 board member Richard Heimler. Richard was a beloved part of the lung cancer community and achieved a national following for his ability to infuse candor, humor, grace, and positivity into serious discussions about the disease. By sharing his personal journey, he reinforced that no one needs to face lung cancer alone – and in doing so – guided thousands of people to take advantage of GO2’s support services.
This year, GO2, along with Richard’s daughter Rachel Heimler, and 2023 Rays of Hope Award recipient Larry Gershon, presented the 2024 Rays of Hope Award to actor and director Tony Goldwyn. Tony selflessly gave his time, voice, and national stature to advance our cause that is personal to him, having lost his mother to the disease. Tony’s message of hope — that no one should face lung cancer alone and that GO2 is their go-to — is continually reinforced to millions who see our PSA on TV, in medical offices, waiting rooms, pharmacies, bus stops, over the radio, and more. View the PSA here.
2024 Rays of Hope awardee Tony Goldwyn (center) with Rachel Heimler (left), and Larry Gershon (right).
The award presentation was followed by a panel discussion moderated by award-winning broadcast journalist and bestselling author Lynn Sherr. The panel included leading medical experts sharing progress in the lung cancer field and how GO2 is uniquely contributing to those advancements. Dr. Christine Lovly, MD, PhD, GO2 Scientific Leadership Board Chair, Associate Professor of Medicine & Ingram Associate Professor of Cancer Research at Vanderbilt Medical Center and Ingram Cancer Center; Raja Flores, MD, Chairman for the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Mount Sinai Health System; and Beth Garner MD, MPH, Immediate Past President and Board Member American Medical Women’s Association were featured panelists
The panel discussed the extraordinary scientific progress that has been made in defeating lung cancer. The advent of precision-based medicine, technological innovations, and earlier interventions with lung cancer screening are poised to deliver historic lifesaving changes whether someone is at risk for or diagnosed with the disease. They addressed the alarming increase of lung cancer diagnosed in young women with no known risk factors and how tailored approaches are necessary to improve health outcomes for both men and women. As leading researchers, they discussed the importance of our continued advocacy for more federal research funding and innovative studies, such as GO2’s INHERIT study, to uncover the inherited risk of lung cancer. They also stressed that equitable access to these advancements is vital, no matter who someone is or where they live. Dr. Lovly specifically highlighted how GO2’s network of over 900 Centers of Excellence fosters and promotes the highest-quality early detection and treatment standards in lung cancer across a national network of local community hospitals, clinics, academic, and VA medical centers.
From left to right, Laurie, Tony, Lynn, Dr. Lovly, Dr. Garner, and Dr. Flores.
In closing, Tony shared with everyone how he feels privileged and is motivated more than ever to deliver a message that will help save lives.
We are grateful for Tony’s personal commitment, the passionate frontline dedication of physicians and researchers, the outstanding leadership of our board members, and the vital support of our donors which makes our mission to transform survival possible. Thank you!
You can access a summarized video on the evening’s discussion here.
From left to right, Laurie Ambrose with board member Carol Rattray, moderator Lynn Sherr, board member Rick Sherlock, Tony, and board members David Lefkowitz, Andrea Parks, Fern Halper, and Adrienne Halper.
To get involved and learn more about supporting our efforts, please contact us at donate@go2.org.
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