Lung Cancer Research Foundation Presents The 2013/2014 Research Grant Awards

Sixteen Researchers Awarded $800,000 For Research During Month-Long Spotlight On Lung Cancer

NEW YORK, Nov. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Lung Cancer Research Foundation announced today that it has awarded $800,000 to 16 leading medical institutions in the US and Canada.  The announcement was made at the Foundation's 8^th Annual Lung Cancer Awareness Luncheon.

The Lung Cancer Research Foundation is the only non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to providing critical seed funding for cutting-edge scientific research for all cancers of the lung. "This type of support can build proof of concept for researchers to apply for additional grant funding from universities and public sources," stated Sandra Vassos, Executive Director, "LCRF funds research that will make major contributions toward better treatments, screening, and prevention of lung cancer."

The 2013/2014 Award Recipient are: Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, Stephen M. Lewis, PhD;  Boston Children's Hospital Carla Kim, PhD; Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Medical School Heidi Greulich, PhD and Donald Kufe, MD;  Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Matthew J. Neiderst, PhD;  Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Thales Papagiannakopoulos, PhD;  MD Anderson Cancer Center/University of Texas Faye Johnson, MD, PhD and Jonathan Kurie, MD; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, William Lee, PhD;  Moffitt Cancer Center, Matthew Adams Smith, PhD; The Scripps Research Institute, Katja A. Lamia, PhD; University of California, San Francisco Alexei Polishchuk, MD, PhD; University of Chicago, Ralph Weichselbaum, MD; University of Louisville, Levi J. Beverly, PhD; Weill Cornell Medical College, Brendon M. Stiles, MD; Yale University, Katerina Politi, PhD.

The LCRF has also partnered with Chopard, the Swiss-based luxury watch, jewelry, and accessories house, to raise awareness about lung cancer throughout the month of November. Chopard's in-house artisans have designed an exclusive limited edition bracelet inspired by LCRF's iconic wishbone logo, signifying a wish for a cure.

"We are very grateful to Chopard for the opportunity to educate the public about this devastating disease," says Sandra Vassos, Executive Director of the Lung Cancer Research Foundation. "Lung cancer research has been chronically underfunded compared to other cancers and the LCRF has been working to change this. The partnership provides an opportunity to deliver our message of hope through research," said Vassos.

Since 2007, LCRF has funded 90 grants—totaling over $4.8 million—for critical lung cancer research in leading medical institutions in the United States and Canada. Because of LCRF's support, our grantees have received millions in follow-on funding from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

About Lung Cancer Research Foundation
The Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF) was founded in 2005 with the goal of providing critical funding to promising and innovative research projects that will lead to more effective early detection, treatment and a cure for all cancers of the lung.

Key Facts About Lung Cancer

• Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. 1.3 million people die of lung cancer each year
• Lung cancer is responsible for 1/3 of all cancer deaths in the US.
• Lung cancer affects more people than any other cancer.
• Lung cancer causes more deaths each year than prostate, colon, and pancreas cancer combined.
• Lung Cancer causes more deaths each year than breast and all gynecological cancers combined.
• 220,000 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed annually in the United States; it is estimated that 160,000 will die

For more information about the Lung Cancer Research Foundation go to: www.lungfund.org.

CONTACT:
Heather Gartman
202-413-4226
[email protected]

SOURCE Lung Cancer Research Foundation