A BREATH OF HOPE
About Us
Defeating Lung Cancer, Bringing Hope Worldwide!
A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation fights lung cancer by funding innovative U.S. lung cancer research, raising awareness and supporting lung cancer patients and families.
Patient & Family Support
A Breath of Hope (ABOH) offers patient education and support services following a lung cancer diagnosis. From transportation to companionship to survivor and grief support groups, our goal is to lighten the burden and fill the care gaps for those living with lung cancer. Peer-to-peer HOPE companions and virtual support groups are available nationwide.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SUPPORT GROUPS FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES: Patient and family support is available through our local partner hospital’s support groups in Minneapolis and St. Paul, as well as our own professionally facilitated Survivor and Grief Groups. To RSVP or learn more, call 952-456-2845.
U.S. Research
Per cancer death and compared to other common cancers, lung cancer research receives less funding which slows progress in improving a 21% survival rate. Also, because of funding shortages, there is a long history of excellent researchers being diverted to other cancer fields where funding is more prevalent. ABOH supports talented young investigators and translational lung cancer research to improve treatments that will touch patients within five years. These scientists, from top U.S. cancer centers and universities, are selected through a nationwide competitive search. Click to find out more about the ABOH Research Fellowship Program.
Awareness & Public Education Nationwide
Early detection is critical to surviving lung cancer, and improved awareness is the first step to detecting it earlier.
74% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed in stage 3 or 4 when it is harder to beat. Lack of awareness and mostly late-stage diagnoses are critical problem areas and contribute greatly to the 79% mortality rate of lung cancer. Most smokers are not receiving the annual low-dose CT scan that could save their lives, and nonsmokers and former smokers (making up 60% of each year’s diagnoses) often miss symptoms. The stigma that surrounds lung cancer keeps the facts hidden from the general public leaving them uneducated about the world’s deadliest cancer. Without awareness and expanded preventative screening, lung cancer will continue to show an appalling 21% five-year survival rate
A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation partners with individuals, businesses, and healthcare systems to ‘WRAP’ awareness and wellness around communities. Through awareness events, public speaking, marketing campaigns, and community outreach, ABOH provides vital information about lung cancer to the public.
Find Us on Social Media
A Breath of Hope’s support volunteers have experienced cancer and wish to help others. To learn more about becoming a peer-to-peer volunteer or becoming a driver in the Twin Cities, email us at supportMN@abreathofhope.org. To learn about volunteering at an event or in the office, email us info@abreathofhope.org.
There are many ways you can volunteer at A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation!
Join an Event Planning Committee (Tea, Golf, Run/Walk, Gala) or work at one of our events
Help with mailings and other office projects
Become a companion or driver (must have experience with cancer)
Join our Speaker’s Bureau
Hold a Third Party Event to benefit A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation
Contact us to talk about your own area of expertise and how pro bono work might move extra dollars to the cause!
You can support our efforts to beat lung cancer by volunteering. Please fill out the online form HERE, or call 952-405-9201 for more information.
What services does a breath of hope offer to lung cancer survivors and families?
Every time we support people living with lung cancer, we have taken a step forward in the battle against this disease. A lung cancer diagnosis is frightening, regardless of the situation. Everyone can benefit from support and encouragement. CODE WORD: LUNG
Patient education
Studies show that well-informed patients are better equipped to participate in decisions about their care and have better health outcomes. To help patients educate themselves, A Breath of Hope provides tools and resources such as the Midwest Lung Cancer Summit (held each Fall) and our online learning resources the Animated Patient’s Guide to Lung Cancer, available in English and Spanish. This resource provides patients and their families more information about their lung cancer diagnosis and treatment options.
Companionship
ABOH peer-to-peer HOPE companionship volunteers have been through the cancer journey and simply want to help others. Their role is to listen and offer hope and companionship during the emotional roller coaster of a cancer diagnosis.
HOPE companions may provide support to patients and caregivers through texts, phone calls, coffee dates, virtual or in-person meetings. Connecting with a HOPE companion who has experienced a cancer diagnosis can provide a great deal of support and connection.
To be matched with a HOPE companion, please call our 952-456-2845 or email info@abreathofhope.org.
Fill out waiver and participation agreement online HERE – must be completed prior to services
Print waiver and participation agreement HERE
Education and support groups for survivors and families
ABOH offers virtual support groups for survivors and caregivers, as well as those who are grieving a loved one lost to lung cancer. Each group offers opportunities for learning, discussion and support and is led by professional facilitators. Learn more about our support groups.
What is an a breath of hope support volunteers?
Support volunteers are people who have been personally touched by cancer and want to volunteer their time to help others cope with lung cancer. Some are survivors, some have lost loved ones. All support volunteers have experienced the pain and fear evoked by a cancer diagnosis personally or in their closer circles, and are willing to volunteer their time to others.
If you or someone you know would make a great support volunteer, please contact us or fill out a volunteer application HERE
Transportation
ABOH volunteer drivers provide door-to-door transportation to and from lung cancer screenings, treatments, or medical appointments for Twin Cities resident lung cancer patients and their caregivers. This is an essential service that makes it possible for lung cancer patients to receive timely medical care that can lead to improved health outcomes.
If you are interested in receiving a ride, please call 952-456-2845 or email info@abreathofhope.org.
Fill out waiver and participation agreement online HERE – must be completed prior to services
Print waiver and participation agreement HERE
Patient Support Services
Patient support services are provided to patients and their families being treated through one of our healthcare partners:
Abbott Northwestern Hospital
Fairview Riverside Hospital
Mercy Hospital
North Memorial Health Hospital
Regions Hospital
United Hospital
Minneapolis VA Health Care
Minnesota Oncology
If you are interested in becoming a health care partner, please call 952-456-2845 or email info@abreathofhope.org.
