Katie Morello: A Shining Light at GO2

GO2 for Lung Cancer’s Manager, Events Operations Katie Morello brings enthusiasm and a big heart to her work with the organization. We chatted with Morello about her background, her day-to-day life over her 6 years at GO2, and why she loves what she does for the lung cancer community.

What drew you to GO2? 

After 18 years in childcare (the burnout is real—a shout-out to educators!), I wanted to pursue a career elsewhere to see if I would miss working with kids. I had known Andrea Parks, GO2’s former Chief Development Officer and current Board Member, for years. She reached out about an opportunity as a development assistant with the organization—and although my background was in childcare, she was confident that I’d fit right in.

I was eager to try something new and happily jumped in. I started part-time and, after months, moved to full-time. The rest is history.

What does your day-to-day look like at GO2? What are your primary responsibilities? 

I support the 5K series by setting up each event’s website and shipping all the materials to event locations around the country, ensuring they arrive with time to spare.

I am the primary contact for the DIY program, where individuals and corporations raise funds and awareness for GO2 in their creative ways. From golf tournaments to art fundraisers, and 3-point basketball shootouts to weddings, and everything in between, there are many ways to support GO2 outside the “norm.” So far, the DIY program has raised almost $100,000 in 2024!

I also reach out monthly to those registered for an “In Loving Memory” page with GO2 to let them know we are thinking of them. We don’t ask for anything; we just give them a little love.

Last but not least, I manage Shine a Light on Lung Cancer® which takes place in November for Lung Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a free program for healthcare facilities to raise awareness and honor their local lung cancer community. There are multiple ways to participate in Shine a Light, including in-person events, virtual events, or educational tables. We want each facility to shine a light in a way that suits their community’s needs. Once registered, GO2 provides them with digital resources to plan and promote their event and use on event day. It is exciting to see the program expand to include community partners in addition to the healthcare facilities. Last year, there were 235 Shine Light events in all 50 states, and it looks like we are going to exceed that in 2024. I love that this position keeps me moving!

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment at GO2? What are you most proud of? 

For the last 5 years, I have successfully secured at least 1 Shine a Light event host in all 50 states. It helps people impacted by lung cancer to know that there is 1 facility honoring their community, that there are resources available to them, and that they are not alone.

Another special “accomplishment” is building relationships with those involved with GO2. Whether it’s a person living with lung cancer, a caregiver, or an individual fundraiser, having such a great community is heartwarming.

What do you like to do in your free time? 

I am a 49er faithful—our family has had season tickets since 1958. We go to all the games. Win or lose, they are my team!  I also spend quality time coaching my kids’ sports teams (volleyball, soccer, and maybe baseball this spring). They’re my greatest accomplishments!