The Hearst Foundation, Inc. Awards Grant to Uniting Against Lung Cancer

NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Uniting Against Lung Cancer (UALC) is pleased to announce a new partnership with The Hearst Foundation, Inc. supporting lung cancer research through UALC's esteemed Scientific Program.

Since 2003, UALC has funded over $11.5 million to support groundbreaking, innovative lung cancer research at the nation's leading cancer centers and hospitals. This investment has resulted in over $57 million in follow-on funding, new researchers entering the field, and scientific progress that is already impacting lung cancer patients. Support from The Hearst Foundation, Inc. will ensure UALC's ability to fund the most promising research in the field today.

The Hearst Foundation, Inc. was founded by William Randolph Hearst in 1945 to identify and fund outstanding nonprofits to ensure that people of all backgrounds in the United States have the opportunity to build healthy, productive and inspiring lives.

Lung cancer is the nation's deadliest cancer, among both women and men — killing an estimated 160,000 Americans each year. Over 226,000 people in the United States are diagnosed each year, with a dismal five-year survival rate of only 16%. UALC is funding the best and brightest with the goal of changing those numbers, supporting research that will lead to new treatment options, improved early detection, and a cure for this deadly disease.

"The Hearst Foundation, Inc. is renowned for partnering with the best nonprofit organizations and institutions across the country. We are honored to be counted among them," said Mary Ann Tighe, Board President of UALC.

UALC's funding is guided by the nation's leading experts in lung cancer research and treatment. It has funded over 120 projects since 2003, including jumpstarting the careers of many of today's leading clinicians and researchers, as well as driving advancements in treatment to improve survival.

In recognition of the importance of UALC's mission, The Hearst Foundation, Inc. is directly supporting UALC's Scientific Research Program to fund critical lung cancer research.

"Too many Americans are touched by lung cancer, losing friends and family to this terrible disease," said George Irish, Eastern Director of The Hearst Foundations. "By partnering with Uniting Against Lung Cancer, we are supporting a gold-standard lung cancer research program and funding projects that will improve survival and save lives."

About Uniting Against Lung Cancer
Uniting Against Lung Cancer is dedicated to funding innovative research and raising awareness to find a cure for lung cancer. We have been joined by like-minded groups across the country to raise funds for groundbreaking research. Since 2003, we have awarded over $11.5 million to academic investigators, leading to over $57 million in follow-on funding, new researchers entering the field, and scientific progress that is already impacting lung cancer patients. Learn more at www.UnitingAgainstLungCancer.org.