GO2 for Lung Cancer’s Associate Director, National Events, Bridget Purchatzke, makes it her mission to raise funds that provide patient support services, conduct cutting-edge research, and propel federal advocacy work for the lung cancer community. She is a part of GO2’s events team and oversees many of our fundraising events.
We sat down with Bridget to learn why she enjoys working with her team to create family-friendly events that engage local communities and what this work means to her.
What is your professional background, and how long have you been at GO2?
I began working on lung cancer fundraising events in 2009. I did not have a connection to lung cancer at the time, but cancer, in general, had impacted my family. It was so fulfilling to help others, and now I’m hooked! I’ve been with the GO2 events team for the past 6 years, and it’s hard to imagine not being a part of this community.
What are your primary responsibilities?
I oversee the national 5K walk/run series, GO2’s Endurance Team, and community fundraising programs. These initiatives focus on peer-to-peer fundraising and provide critical support for all the other programs we offer at GO2.
What do you like best about working with the GO2 events team?
Our team is incredible. I am fortunate to work with talented individuals who work tirelessly each day and give their all to continuously improve our offerings for this community.
For example, our team has been working on an exciting new feature for 2025: a new fundraising platform. We had been hearing from our community about the challenges they were facing with our current technology, so we focused our search on enhancing the experience for our guests. The new site is already available for those registering for our spring 2025 5K walk/run events; we hope everyone enjoys it!
What is the best advice you have for people who have never participated in a GO2 event before?
One of my favorite things about our events is that they are a fun, welcoming place where you can meet, and be around, people who “get it.” Many members of our team have experienced cancer first-hand, and we want to give you a break from day-to-day. There will be no tests, scans, or procedures—just fun.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment at GO2?
Last year, I learned that one of the young investigators we helped fund at my former lung cancer organization used the new procedure he had developed to improve outcomes for a woman with lung cancer I met recently through GO2. Amazing. Knowing we are making progress, seeing the survival rate increase over the years, and watching the advancements in medicine and treatments keep me going. That’s why we’re here! It’s working!
What do you like to do when you’re not connecting with the lung cancer community?
I love reading, exploring new places, and spending time with friends and family. I’ve been lucky to travel overseas a few times and can’t wait to go again.
Any last piece of advice for people looking to get involved in 2025?
Fundraising can feel intimidating, but at its core, it is simply inviting others to help you support a cause you care for and believe in. If you haven’t tried it, I encourage you to sign up for an event or contact our team to try it out today. You’ll be surprised how many people will step up to support you!
Step out with others impacted by lung cancer in your community to help raise funds! Join us for one of our 2025 events or start a fundraiser of your own.
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