Meet GO2 Volunteer Jasmine Huang, MD

Jasmine Huang, MD, is a thoracic surgeon who focuses on thoracic oncology, particularly the surgical treatment of lung cancer. As part of her responsibilities, she performs lung resection surgeries on early-stage lung cancer patients—a pathway to a cure.  

Lung cancer, if found early, can be curable. That’s a big reason why Dr. Huang, the director of education and program development at Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, and co-director of the Norton Thoracic Institute Lung Cancer Program, is passionate about raising awareness about lung cancer. 

“Unfortunately, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and I don’t think a lot of people are aware of that,” said Dr. Huang. “I’ve become very actively involved in educating patients and the public. We have a very robust lung cancer screening program with the hope that we can catch lung cancer early and offer people treatment so that they could potentially be cured.” 

Huang knows it takes a community to make a difference, which is why she’s the national chair of GO2 for Lung Cancer’s Summer Raise. Summer Raise is GO2’s annual national fundraiser, and it’s your opportunity to join others in the lung cancer community for fun and fundraising to confront lung cancer together.  

Building community while raising awareness

The 5th Annual Summer Raise just wrapped up on June 22, with participants from across the country raising nearly $30,000 for the cause.   

“Whether you’re walking, swimming, hiking, taking a Zumba class, or something else, Summer Raise is all about getting out there, moving, and making it fun,” said Dr. Huang. 

Your participation and fundraising through GO2 events, like Summer Raise, help accelerate lung cancer research, provide one-on-one assistance, and navigate treatment for people with lung cancer and their care partners. These efforts accelerate cures and change this disease from one of stigma to one of hope. 

“GO2 is an amazing organization that puts patients first. They really help move forward knowledge and research in lung cancer with the idea that we can hopefully come up with a cure for cancer and improve people’s lives.” 

Dr. Huang has advice for healthcare facilities looking to participate in Summer Raise and other lung cancer awareness events. “There are different things we have done to help get people involved,” she said. “Having informational tables outside the cafeteria, in our office lobby, and at the front desk can pique people’s interest.”