LUNGevity President Receives Point of Light Award

(Washington, May 3, 2016) – Andrea Ferris, president of leading lung cancer nonprofit LUNGevity Foundation, received the prestigious Daily Point of Light Award for her work as an advocate and pioneer in the field of lung cancer. The honor recognizes Ferris’ commitment and accomplishments spotlighting lung cancer as a national priority; amplifying the voice of the lung cancer community, a traditionally underserved population; and helping drive the research that is changing outcomes for patients. Ferris received the award at LUNGevity’s 6th annual National HOPE Summit, a conference for lung cancer survivors held in Arlington, Virginia, on Friday, April 29, 2016.

Created under the President George H. W. Bush administration, the Daily Point of Light Award recognizes the volunteer work of individuals and groups that create meaningful change in important community issues, including education, the environment, the future of the economy, and emergency preparedness, among others. Every weekday, a volunteer or volunteer effort, known as a “point of light,” is spotlighted by the organization.

Ferris’ footprint in the lung cancer community began with a personal story.  After losing her mother to lung cancer, Ferris gave up a successful career in the private sector to focus on making a difference in the lives of those impacted by lung cancer. She established the Foundation’s committed focus on early detection and treatment research, developing and growing LUNGevity’s Scientific Advisory Board of leading thoracic cancer, pathology, radiology, and bioinformatics experts who identify the most promising research for LUNGevity grants. She also ensures that the organization identifies and fills unmet needs in the lung cancer community, from the development of a clinical trial navigator to the creation of a comprehensive, medically vetted online resource on all aspects of the lung cancer journey. Under her leadership, LUNGevity has become the nation’s leading lung cancer nonprofit and the go-to organization for scientific, medical, and pharmaceutical partners seeking the patient perspective.

“I am incredibly honored to receive the award and share it with all of the tireless LUNGevity volunteers, staff, researchers, and advocates whose drive and passion are making a meaningful difference for people with lung cancer,” said Andrea Ferris, president of LUNGevity Foundation.

“The goal of changing outcomes for lung cancer survivors is a driving force for Andrea – one that she fights for every minute of every day,” shared 8-year lung cancer survivor Jerry Sorkin, Vice Chair of the Board of LUNGevity. “Her tireless dedication and tenacity guide LUNGevity’s game-changing research and patient support, and give me hope every day that we can create a world where no one dies of lung cancer.”

For more information on LUNGevity Foundation, please visit www.LUNGevity.org.

About Lung Cancer

• 1 in 15 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime
• More than 221,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year
• About 60%-65% of all new lung cancer diagnoses are among people who have never smoked or are former smokers
• Lung cancer takes more lives than the next three leading cancers (colorectal, breast, and prostate) combined
• Only 17% of all people diagnosed with lung cancer will survive 5 years or more, BUT if it’s caught before it spreads, the chance for 5-year survival improves dramatically