The White Ribbon Project

April 25, 2026 was an unforgettable, beautiful day at the University of Colorado Anschutz 5+ Year Lung Cancer Survivor Celebration!

Hosted by Dr. Tejas Patil, this beautiful event brought together more than 140 lung cancer survivors living 5+ years, along with many of their care partners.

It was a powerful reminder of how far we have come, how much hope exists, and why we must keep going.

We are deeply grateful to the University of Colorado Anschutz Cancer Center and the Thoracic Oncology team for creating a space that honors long-term survivorship, celebrates progress, and gives people affected by lung cancer a powerful sense of hope and community.

The White Ribbon Project Founders were honored to share their presentation, “We’re All Still Here. Together We Are Changing the Story,” celebrating survivorship, hope, advocacy, and the many ways people can get involved to help move this community forward.

What began as a small inaugural gathering in 2018 has grown into a room filled with survivors, care partners, clinicians, researchers, and advocates. That is progress. That is hope in motion.

We were inspired by Dr. Robert Meguid, MD, MPH, Professor of Surgery, who shared new innovations in surgery through his presentation, “Beyond the Operating Room: A Surgeon’s Perspective of What Long-Term Survival Looks Like.”

We were deeply moved by Dr. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD, Professor of Thoracic Oncology, whose presentation, “Why We Are Here,” reflected on how far the field has come, both as a clinician-scientist and as a person living four years with stage IV lung cancer.

The day closed with a touching and beautiful piano performance by Dr. Tejas Patil, MD, Assistant Professor of Thoracic Oncology.

It was an inspirational event filled with hope, gratitude, determination, and a clear reminder: long-term survivorship is growing and it matters.

We are still here. Together, we are changing the story.

Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer, and no one ever deserves it.

Groundbreaking lung cancer screening research needs strong participation, and we can help spread the word.

IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center is testing a more inclusive approach to lung cancer screening because current guidelines miss many people who may still be at high risk.

This study could help shape better screening guidelines, improve early detection, and save lives.

This study exists because of a team with urgency, vision, and action. They know lung cancer, the #1 cancer killer, cannot be approached with delay or outdated assumptions. It must be approached with sound science, data, and criteria that make sense at this time.

You do NOT need to be an Indiana resident to participate. If you or someone you know qualifies and are able to get to the screening site, you are welcome.

Participants may qualify for a free low-dose CT lung scan and will help advance research that could improve outcomes for many people affected by lung cancer.

Please share widely with your networks, especially anyone ages 50–80 who does NOT currently qualify for lung screening but may have risk factors such as family history, lung disease, radon, radiation, or chemical exposures, or high-risk occupations.

Please see the study flyer below.

Let’s help this important study have strong participation.
Contact the lung screening team:
(317) 962-5864
[email protected]
cancer.iu.edu/trials

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A huge The White Ribbon Project shoutout to Jennifer Moran & the entire community for an incredible 13th Annual LUNGSTRONG 5K & Walk!

What a beautiful and powerful demonstration of collaboration, community, hope, and love.

This year’s event continued the incredible legacy of Diane Legg, founder of LUNGSTRONG, who passed away two years ago, but is absolutely not forgotten.

Diane’s vision and impact continue through every person who shows up, every story shared, and every dollar raised to improve outcomes for all people affected by lung cancer.

LUNGSTRONG is a mighty community of survivors, care partners, families, clinicians, researchers, friends, and advocates coming together with purpose. We were honored to be part of such a meaningful day and grateful to see The White Ribbon Project ribbons helping people connect, remember, and feel less alone.

Thank you, Jennifer, for your leadership and heart. Thank you to everyone who walked, ran, donated, volunteered, and supported this beautiful event.
Together, LUNGSTRONG raised critical research funding for Mass General Hospital, carrying Diane’s mission forward and helping build a better tomorrow for all people affected by lung cancer.

Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer. No one ever deserves it.🤍✨🫁