Achieving Our Mission – A Three-Tiered Approach

Knowing that earlier detection and improved treatments will save lives, ABOH has created three program vehicles for carrying out its mission. Our programs lead to:

1. Increased lung cancer research for improved lung cancer treatments;
2. Increased lung cancer awareness and public education to reduce late stage diagnoses, especially in low income communities where lung cancer is most prevalent; and
3. Increased support of patients and caregivers for better health outcomes and quality of life.

Our History & Founding Members

In 2007, a small group of lung cancer patients, along with committed family members who met at a local support group, came together to host the first Twin Cities Lung Run/Walk. The success of this event led to the formation of this public charity, A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation in August of 2008. Thanks to a talented and committed volunteer board of directors and the addition of professional staff beginning in 2012, A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation has grown steadily and has invested nearly $3 million in lung cancer research. Read about our founding group!

A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation knows that the 26.6% lung cancer survival rate will improve with increased research funding and public education, as well as improved patient support. Most of our board directors and growing family of supporters, now numbering over 20,000, have experienced lung cancer or have lost a loved one to this deadly cancer. We continue our endeavors to improve lung cancer outcomes, to make every minute count, to believe each step we make is a breath of hope, and to share our compassion and support with all who are impacted by lung cancer, regardless of smoking status. Inspiring stories.

DEI Statement

A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. We are proud to be a fully approved member of the Charities Review Council – a ‘Most Trustworthy Nonprofit’. We promise to be frugal in the use of funds entrusted to us. Through careful ongoing strategic planning, we promise to direct the vast majority of our revenue to programs designed to improve the survival rate of lung cancer. We can’t do it without you, our faithful donors.

Kelly Andrews-Klagmann lost her courageous battle with non-small cell lung cancer at the tragically young age of 27. Kelly’s diagnosis occurred after a week of hospitalization and months of misdiagnosed bronchitis and pneumonia. Previous signs included being winded on a bike and a diagnosis of allergies after wheezing during yard work. She did not smoke. She ate well. She exercised often.

Six months after her diagnosis, and just hours after exchanging marriage vows with her soul mate, Collin Klagmann, Kelly was taken by lung cancer.

It is for people like Kelly that A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation raises awareness and revenue to fight lung cancer and to change the stigmas that keep it underfunded and misunderstood.