I have been a fitness trainer for 17 years, and I hold a Master of Science degree in health education. I have been a lifetime health enthusiast. My husband, Pierre, is a primary care physician, and he has an MPH with a specialization in health education.

Having careers in prevention, we were blindsided by my stage 3A non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis. The initial message I got from the pulmonologist and available survival curves was that “I should get my affairs in order,” and that my prognosis was quite grim.

I was quite reluctant to tell anyone other than close family and friends about my diagnosis. Having careers in preventive health and having lived a clean life of good nutrition, fitness, and no smoking history, I still felt the stigma of my diagnosis.

Since my local cancer centers and hospitals were not promoting Lung Cancer Awareness, out of frustration, I asked my husband, Pierre, if he could make me a large white ribbon. It is the symbol for lung cancer awareness, and I wanted to hang it on my own front door.

“I became convinced that I had a responsibility to share my story and do what I could to increase awareness about the true nature of this disease. ”

-Heidi Onda

The White Ribbon Project (The WRP) promotes awareness about lung cancer by changing public perception of the disease. Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer.

Each ribbon is handmade by a survivor or someone who loves a survivor. We have made more than 1,000 White Ribbons. We want people to know that the White Ribbon Project ribbon is a symbol of lung cancer awareness and lets them know that they are not alone. They are loved, and there is a huge community of lung cancer survivors, caregivers, and advocates there for them.

A lot of time and effort goes into crafting each ribbon. Our hope is that when a survivor receives their ribbon, they know that it was made for them with love and care, and they are worth it.

No shame, no stigma. Stand up and educate.  It is up to us, the lung cancer community — survivors, caregivers, physicians, researchers, cancer centers, advocacy organizations — to stand together and break the stigma. We are worth it!

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CEO REFLECTIONS

This is a hard one for me to write.  I’ve been personally touched by lung cancer through not just one, but two of the most important people in my life – my Mom and my Dad. Both passed away due to complications from this dreadful disease.  To honor them, I decided to volunteer on March 22nd at a local “LUNGe Forward” 5K Run, benefiting the Lung Cancer Initiative.  It was amazing to see the number of people who came out so early on a very chilly Saturday morning to unite in support of this cause.  I was a newbie that day, but now I’m all in!  Thank you, Claire Connelly for introducing me to this cause and a way that I can personally make a difference.  Find your cause and volunteer today.

Meet

Claire Connelly

Manager of Fundraising Events, Lung Cancer Initiative

After being diagnosed with breast cancer at 36, Claire made a life-changing decision to transition from a corporate career to the nonprofit sector. Though new to this field, she quickly found inspiration in the unwavering commitment of those dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by lung cancer in her community. Despite lung cancer being the leading cause of cancer-related deaths—surpassing the next four cancers combined—it receives a fraction of the funding.

Drawing on her diverse background in event planning and marketing, Claire channels her passion into creating dynamic, engaging, and impactful fundraising events. Whether it's a golf tournament, a 5K, a gala, or even an arcade-themed social, Claire is fueled by her love for her work and the people she serves. Having personally benefited from research, patient advocates, and community funds, Claire is deeply grateful for the support that has allowed her to thrive, and she is committed to paying it forward.

In addition to her work at Lung Cancer Initiative, Claire serves on the board of Healing Pines Respite, a nonprofit that provides healing retreats for women affected by cancer. Claire believes that if you are here, there is so much good that can be done. Reach out to a local nonprofit and ask how you can get involved—whether through volunteering, joining a committee, donating goods or services, attending an event, or making a donation. Every little bit helps and brings those warm, fuzzy feelings that come from making a difference.

ABOUT LUNG CANCER INITIATIVE

Lung Cancer Initiative (LCI) got its start as North Carolinians Against Lung Cancer in 2006. It was formed by a group of volunteer advocates with a focus on funding research and raising awareness about lung cancer. In 2008, the organization joined forces with Free to Breathe, gaining nonprofit status and was renamed North Carolina Lung Cancer Partnership. As LCI’s reach expanded throughout North Carolina and beyond over the next several years, the decision was made to establish independent nonprofit status in 2013 and rebrand as Lung Cancer Initiative.

So what started as a grassroots movement of survivors, providers, and advocates in North Carolina in 2006 has grown to become a leading organization that connects lung cancer patients and their loved ones with the medical and research community. Our network of hope and action fuels lung cancer research, furthers education and awareness about lung cancer, and supports access to appropriate care, treatment, and resources for the lung cancer community.

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