About Us

Meet Our Founders

At the forefront of LCFA’s mission are its co-founders, individuals who have dedicated themselves to raising awareness and supporting groundbreaking research in the fight against lung cancer.

LCFA’s co-founders, Kim Norris, Lori Monroe, and David Sturges, have been instrumental in driving forward the organization’s mission of advancing lung cancer research and advocacy. Through their personal experiences, expertise, and unwavering dedication, they have created a national non-profit that continues to make significant strides in raising awareness, challenging stigma, and supporting groundbreaking research.

The forces behind LCFA

  • President

    Kim Norris

    Norris has been a passionate advocate for raising awareness about the smoking stigma associated with lung cancer. She has spearheaded campaigns to challenge misconceptions and promote empathy, support, and hope for individuals affected by lung cancer.

  • In Memory

    Lori Monroe

    Monroe was a strong advocate for increasing funding for lung cancer research. She worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of patients, caregivers, and researchers to secure greater support and resources for innovative treatments and improved patient outcomes.

  • Emeritus

    David Sturges

    First diagnosed with lung cancer in 2002, David Sturges fervently believes that research partnered with advocacy are the keys to the development of successful lung cancer treatments - and hopefully a cure. This hope and commitment is the cornerstone upon which LCFA’s mission rests and which it has pursued since it was founded in 2007.

Empowering Hope, Advancing Science

See the story behind Lung Cancer Foundation of America. Learn how one woman’s loss fueled hope and progress for patients everywhere.

In the Room Where It Happened

A management consultant whose husband died from lung cancer; a young nurse diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer; and an attorney who had also been diagnosed with lung cancer – came together to make this commitment to funding research a reality.

Their paths crossed in a conference room/hotel room as they participated in the Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE). The SPORE program’s dedication to translational research of all cancers marked yet another unique and important public commitment to cancer research.

In July 2005, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) announced changes to the SPORE Program. Norris and Sturges worked with Henry Waxman, the U.S. Representative for California’s 33rd congressional district to appeal to Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., Director, National Cancer Institute (NCI) regarding SPORE program funding.

“We encourage the NCI to review the SPORE program understanding its unique and critical part in cancer research. We also ask that NCI undertake an immediate review and discussion of the Pittsburgh, Vanderbilt and UCLA Lung SPORE grant renewal applications against the backdrop of the impending deadlines which may result in the termination of their grants.”

On March 20, 2007, LCFA began its journey with an investment of time, passion and hope. In the intervening years, it has flourished, devoting its time and resources almost exclusively to lung cancer research. The SPORE program continues today partly due to these efforts by LCFA. And LCFA continues in its mission to fight for more lung cancer research funding.

  • Lung cancer affects people from all walks of life, and it's time to break the stigma. We must provide hope, resources, and a voice to everyone facing this disease.

    Kim Norris

  • By investing in lung cancer research, we can make a real difference in the lives of patients and their families. Together, we can create a future where lung cancer is no longer a leading cause of death."

    Lori Monroe

  • Every person affected by lung cancer deserves access to the best possible care and support. Together, we can make a difference and improve outcomes for patients.

    David Sturges