Fall 2026 Newsletter
What a Night.
We are still taking it all in. On Friday, August 14, 2026, Libby’s Lungs hosted its largest Hope in Every Breath Fundraiser yet. The generosity and spirit of this community continues to move us deeply. Thank you for being part of it.
None of this happens without you. Thank you to the 172 guests who filled the room and to the 18 sponsors who made the evening possible. Thank you as well to everyone who participated in the online auction or made a gift in support of the event. Together, you made this our most successful Hope in Every Breath Fundraiser yet.
Libby Do Award Recipients
Each year, Libby’s Lungs presents the Libby Do Award, honoring individuals who share Elizabeth’s conviction that better outcomes for lung cancer patients are not just possible, they’re worth fighting for. This year, we were proud to honor three extraordinary people.
 |
 |
Dr. Steven A. Burton, MD
Clinical Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine & UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
Dr. Burton dedicated more than three decades to advancing cancer care, research, and education at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. A pioneer in stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy, his work expanded treatment possibilities for lung cancer patients and influenced practice across the country. He retired in December 2025, leaving behind a legacy of compassionate, patient-centered care.
Annette Quinn, MSN, RN, OCN
Clinical Nurse Educator, Ipsen & Former Program Manager, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
Annette Quinn spent more than 20 years as a Program Manager at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, helping shape patient-centered programs and supporting the teams that care for cancer patients every day. She now serves as a Clinical Nurse Educator with Ipsen, contributing to national initiatives that elevate patient outcomes and professional practice. Her dedication has touched thousands of patients and clinicians across the region.
Stephanie Kaiser, MSN, CRNP, AOCNP
Former Oncology Nurse Practitioner & Libby’s Lungs Board Member
Stephanie was Elizabeth’s oncology nurse practitioner and walked alongside her through some of the hardest days of her journey. Her selection as a Libby Do Award recipient was kept a secret until that very night. The moment she was called to the front of the room, there was not a dry eye in the house. Stephanie now serves on the Libby’s Lungs board, carrying Elizabeth’s mission forward with the same care and dedication she brought to her bedside.
Want to see more from the evening? Visit our Flickr page for the full gallery. Special thanks to Keira Sipe for generously donating her time and photography services to capture the night.
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors
This evening would not have been possible without the organizations that stepped up in support of our mission. We are deeply grateful to each of our 2026 sponsors.
Save the Date
We are already looking ahead to the 4th Annual Hope in Every Breath Fundraiser. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for details.
Inside the Research
On August 14, before the evening’s festivities began, the Libby’s Lungs board had the privilege of visiting UPMC Hillman Cancer Center for an inside look at the lung cancer research our community helps fund. Seeing Dr. Laura Stabile’s work firsthand, the questions being asked, the discoveries being pursued, the possibilities being created for patients and families, was a powerful reminder of why we do this.
This is exactly the kind of partnership that moves the mission forward.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Cancer Bridges Lung Cancer Education Panel
Libby’s Lungs was proud to be a sponsor of the inaugural Cancer Bridges Lung Cancer Education Panel on September 16, 2026. The event brought together seven of Pittsburgh’s leading oncology experts from UPMC and AHN for an evening of real information and real answers for lung cancer patients and their families.
A special thank you to Cancer Bridges for hosting this important evening. Cancer Bridges is one of our valued community partners, and their commitment to supporting people affected by cancer in the Pittsburgh region is something we deeply admire.
We want to extend a sincere thank you to each panelist for giving an evening out of their week to show up for patients and families in our community:
| Neil Christie, MD Surgical Oncology, UPMC |
| Daniel Petro, MD Medical Oncology, UPMC |
| Matthew E. Iwaniec, PsyD Licensed Clinical Psychologist, AHN |
| Laura Stabile, PhD Research, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center |
| Jennifer Niccolai, PharmD Hematology/Oncology, AHN |
| Neal McCall, MD Radiation Oncology, UPMC |
| Emma Genser, BSN, RN Oncology Nurse Navigator and Lung Cancer Support Group Facilitator, Cancer Bridges |
Events like this one are at the heart of what we believe: that lung cancer patients deserve support inside the clinic and beyond it.
 |
 |
Thank you for being part of this mission. Every gift, every registration, every shared post helps fund research and support the patients who need us most.
Hope in every breath. Always.
Libby’s Lungs | P.O. Box 25348, Pittsburgh, PA 15220
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization | libbyslungs.org
You are receiving this email because you are a valued supporter of Libby’s Lungs.
Unsubscribe | View in browser