Laurie Carson

Laurie Carson founded the Lung Cancer Research Foundation in 2005. She was a tireless advocate for increased lung cancer research funding, having lost both her brother and uncle to the disease. In 2000, a year when lung cancer still carried an enormous stigma, Laurie launched “Steps for Breath”, the first run-walk for lung cancer research in the country. In its first five years, the initiative raised $1.7 million for thoracic oncology studies at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Building on that success, and with the help of friends and former colleagues, Laurie expanded her efforts across the country and created the Lung Cancer Research Foundation.

Laurie served as President of the Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering (the Women’s Board) from 2001-2003. She also sat on MSK’s Institutional Review Board from 2003-2008. Prior to her involvement in the not-for-profit sector, she worked as a Medical Technologist in the laboratories of New York Hospital and the Hospital for Special Surgery.