From breakthroughs in science to compassion in care, the honorees at this year’s Simply the Best Gala embodied the hope, innovation, and resilience that define our community. 

Held in San Francisco on Nov. 15, 2025, the event marked GO2 for Lung Cancer’s 20th anniversary, celebrating 2 decades of progress, partnership, and purpose in transforming the future of lung cancer care, advocacy, and research. It also marked another historic milestone as it was 30 years ago that our organization was founded.  

The evening was hosted by Emily Bennett Taylor, an inspiring lung cancer survivor and advocate who was diagnosed with stage 4 (IV) lung cancer at just 28 years old. Now cancer-free for over 12 years, Emily is a mother of 3 and a passionate voice for awareness and hope. Her story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible through research, resilience, and community. 

GO2 President and CEO Laurie Ambrose reflected on the milestone: 

“As we celebrate 2 decades of relentless commitment to improving the lives of people with lung cancer, these honorees represent the best of what our community stands for — courage, innovation, and hope. Their work inspires us all to continue pushing boundaries until no one has to face lung cancer alone.” 

This year’s gala included a special tribute to GO2 Co-Founder Bonnie J. Addario, whose vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication helped change the course of lung cancer advocacy with the presentation of the inaugural Bonnie J. Addario Legacy Award. Bonnie’s belief that every person’s life has value, and every patient’s voice matters continues to drive GO2’s mission forward. 

Honoring leadership, innovation, and hope

GO2 Excellence Award in Advancing Innovative Precision Medicine 

Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim was recognized for its pioneering work in precision oncology, advancing targeted therapies that redefine how lung cancer is understood and treated. Through groundbreaking research and patient-centered innovation, the company continues to improve outcomes and quality of life for people worldwide. 

GO2 Bonnie J. Addario Legacy Award 

The Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI)
Co-Founders: Bianca Bye and Leah Phillips
The Young Lung Cancer Initiative was honored for empowering and connecting young adults affected by lung cancer. Co-founders Bianca Bye and Leah Phillips turned personal loss and lived experience into purpose, creating a community that challenges misconceptions, builds awareness, and ensures that no young person faces lung cancer alone. 

GO2 Rays of Hope Award for Excellence in Community Engagement and Awareness 

Bryant Lin, MD, MEng
Primary Care Physician, Educator, and Researcher, Stanford University 
Dr. Bryant Lin was celebrated for his leadership in raising awareness of lung cancer and advancing health equity. As co-founder of Stanford’s Center for Asian Health Research and Education (CARE), he has worked tirelessly to improve outcomes among Asian populations and shine a light on lung cancer in people with no smoking history, driven in part by his own experience with the disease. 

GO2 Excellence Award in Advancing Early Detection 

Mary M. Pasquinelli, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CTTS
Director, Lung Screening Program at UI Health; Co-Director, Lung Screening & Prevention, University of Illinois (UI), Chicago
Dr. Mary Pasquinelli was honored for her national leadership in advancing early detection and equitable access to lung cancer screening. Under her guidance, UI Health’s program has become a model for inclusive, community-based care, saving lives by ensuring more cancers are found at earlier, treatable stages. 

GO2 Caregiver Award for Excellence in Improving Quality of Life 

Darren Ogilvie
Darren Ogilvie was recognized for his extraordinary compassion and devotion as a caregiver to his wife during her lung cancer journey. His quiet strength, love, and grace reflect the heart of caregiving—showing up every day with tenderness and courage, and reminding us all of the power of human connection. 

A night to remember 

As guests reflected on 3 decades of progress, there was also a shared sense of purpose for the future. From scientists and caregivers to survivors and advocates, the GO2 community remains committed to advancing research, improving access, and ensuring that everyone affected by lung cancer has the hope and support they need to continue transforming lung cancer survival.