Gala group photo

For the past 18 years, we have held our Simply the Best Gala with survivors, loved ones, providers, researchers, and industry partners, to celebrate and honor outstanding members of the lung cancer community. 

“We are grateful to the many dedicated individuals that bring tangible hope to people at risk for and living with lung cancer. It is an honor to work alongside and celebrate those working tirelessly to transform survival,” said GO2 President & CEO Laurie Ambrose. 

Meet our 2023 honorees: 

The Dr. Fred Marcus Simply the Best Award 

We were honored to present Guardant Health with the Dr. Fred Marcus Simply the Best Award for its efforts to bring innovative biopsy to lung cancer and extend that work across the care continuum. The Simply the Best Award honors science and biotechnology companies developing innovative tests and therapies to detect, treat, and extend the lives of people with lung cancer. 

Excellence in Collaboration and Innovation Honoree 

AstraZeneca was the Excellence in Collaboration and Innovation Honoree for its work bringing treatment options to those impacted by lung cancer at every stage of diagnosis. This award honors companies that have collaborative initiatives with creative approaches to advance treatment and survival for people with lung cancer. 

Bonnie J. Addario Legacy Award 

In recognition of her 20 years supporting the lung cancer community, GO2 created a new award to honor Bonnie’s dedication to improving the lives of countless people and reshaping the way we approach lung cancer advocacy, research, and care. The Bonnie J. Addario Legacy Award will serve as an enduring source of inspiration for all those affected by lung cancer and reminds us that change is possible when driven by unwavering commitment and boundless compassion. 

Asclepios Award 

Named for the ancient Greek hero of medicine and healing, GO2’s Asclepios Award was presented to Dr. Mark Awad, Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Clinical Director of the Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Dr. Awad’s translational research focus is on identifying biomarkers of response and resistance to targeted therapies and immunotherapies in lung cancer. 

Wind Beneath My Wings Caregiver Award 

GO2 receives nominations for this award from people living with lung cancer, their family, and friends who wish to honor the compassionate people who go above and beyond the call of duty to care for loved ones facing lung cancer. This year, the awardee was Sven de Jong. De Jong cared for his late wife Elizabeth (Libby), who was diagnosed in 2016 at age 47 with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer. 

The lung cancer community is made better by each of your contributions. Thank you. 

See event photos and watch a special video shared at the Gala