GO2 for Lung Cancer was built by people who refused to accept the status quo—and who believed that everyone facing lung cancer deserves support, respect, and hope.
Our story begins with patients and advocates who saw unmet needs, spoke up, and took action. That shared determination continues to guide us today.
Built by patients, for patients
For decades, people with lung cancer and caregivers were left without clear information, strong advocacy, or a seat at the table. GO2 for Lung Cancer exists because individuals impacted by lung cancer stepped forward to change that reality.
In 2019, 2 pioneering organizations came together—each with deep roots in the lung cancer community and a shared commitment to transforming survivorship.
United through a shared purpose
The merger wasn’t about combining organizations. It was about strengthening impact. Together, we could do more: provide clearer guidance, accelerate research, and meet patients and caregivers wherever they are in their experience.
GO2 for Lung Cancer
In 2019, two leading organizations came together to form GO2 for Lung Cancer.
Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA)
LCA traces its roots back to 1979, when Mort Liebling was diagnosed with lung cancer and discovered there were no resources available to help him or his family. Rather than accept that gap, he set out to create support for others like him.
In the years that followed, patient advocate Peggy McCarthy founded the Alliance for Lung Cancer Advocacy, Support, and Education (ALCASE). The organization launched a newsletter for patients, a free HelpLine, and a Phone Buddy Program—offering connection at a time when many felt isolated.
In 1999, 2-time lung cancer survivor Sheila Ross pushed the organization to step into national policy conversations. She walked the halls of Congress, advocating for increased research funding and a more compassionate response to lung cancer. In 2004, ALCASE became the Lung Cancer Alliance, expanding its role as a leading voice for patients nationwide.
Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation
ALCF was founded by Bonnie J. Addario after she was diagnosed with stage 3B (IIIB) lung cancer. Like many, Bonnie quickly realized how little credible information and support existed—and how deeply stigma shaped the lung cancer experience.
As a wife, mother, grandmother, and business leader, Bonnie became a powerful voice for patients. Founded in 2006, ALCF focused on education, support, research, and advocacy—always centered on the patient experience.
ALCF created the first comprehensive lung cancer patient education handbook, launched the Lung Cancer Registry, developed the Lung Cancer Living Room® series and established the original Centers of Excellence program. In 2008, Bonnie and her husband, Tony Addario, founded the Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute (ALCMI), a global research consortium dedicated to improving treatment options and outcomes.
Honoring our co-founders
GO2 for Lung Cancer would not be where it is today without the determination and leadership of co-founders Laurie Fenton Ambrose and Bonnie J. Addario.
Laurie Fenton Ambrose
Laurie Fenton Ambrose is a dynamic and innovative leader who has dedicated her career to public service, driven by a deep commitment to supporting those in need. For more than two decades, she has focused her efforts on confronting lung cancer and advancing survivorship, helping to transform outcomes for patients and families nationwide.
Following the 2019 merger of the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF) and the Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA), which created GO2 for Lung Cancer, Laurie served as President and Chief Executive Officer through the end of 2025. Prior to the merger, she spent 14 years as President and CEO of the Lung Cancer Alliance.
Before entering the nonprofit sector, Laurie built an extensive career in public policy spanning nearly two decades. She served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Don Evans and to Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ). Earlier in her career, she worked for 11 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, including six years as Chief of Staff to Congressman Jim Kolbe (R-AZ) and five years as Legislative Assistant to Congressmen Amo Houghton (R-NY) and Edward Madigan (R-IL).
Bonnie J. Addario
Bonnie J. Addario was an activist, advocate, educator, and change agent empowering patients and giving them a strong voice in the fight against lung cancer after receiving a stage 3B (IIIB) lung cancer diagnosis in 2003.
Recognizing the critical need for education, empowerment, advocacy and research to help patients and families, Bonnie and her family founded the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF) in 2006, and then went on to found the Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute (ALCMI) with her husband, Tony Addario, in 2008.
She was an active presenter at numerous national/international conferences, served on diverse panels and boards and often acted as an adviser to industry leaders, clinicians and policy makers. Bonnie received innumerable awards and honors for her work, including the WebMD Health Hero Award and League of Women Voters Honoree, “Women Who Could Be President.”
Bonnie worked tirelessly for everyone diagnosed with lung cancer up until her passing in August of 2025.
Carrying the work forward
Today, GO2 for Lung Cancer continues the work started by those who came before us—providing support through every step of the journey, driving groundbreaking research, and shifting how lung cancer is understood and addressed.
Our history reminds us why this work matters. Our future is built on the same belief that started it all: that everyone facing lung cancer deserves hope, help, and a path forward.