Patients, Caregivers & Advocates Unite at the 3rd Annual Lung Cancer Patient & Caregiver Summit in New Orleans

There’s truly no place like New Orleans, and that spirit was on full display at the 3rd Annual Lung Cancer Patient & Caregiver Summit. A city known for its resilience and culture became the backdrop for something equally powerful: connection, knowledge-sharing, and collective action.

From April 23–25, 2026, the Marriott Warehouse Arts District was filled with a palpable energy. Over 150 patients, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, advocates, and community leaders came together not just to learn, but to engage, uplift, and build a stronger future for lung health. This year’s theme, “Our Voice. Our Breath. Our Future.”, was more than a message. It was infused in every conversation, session, and shared story.

The atmosphere was unmistakable. Hallways buzzed with meaningful exchanges. The Story Booth captured powerful lived experiences. Caregivers found moments of restoration, support, and solidarity. Patients connected across journeys, reminding one another that no one walks this path alone. What emerged was a true community grounded in empathy, strengthened by knowledge, and driven by purpose.

Across three days, attendees engaged with an exceptional lineup of speakers and subject matter experts who delivered timely, relevant, and actionable insights. Sessions explored the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in early detection and personalized treatment, offering a glimpse into how technology is reshaping the future of lung cancer care. Conversations on environmental justice underscored the urgent need to address disproportionate exposure risks in underserved communities, particularly in regions like Louisiana where environmental factors significantly impact lung health outcomes.

Equally impactful were the discussions on public policy and access to care, including a critical look at the 340B Drug Pricing Program, insurance barriers, and the systems that determine who receives timely, affordable treatment. These conversations reinforced a central truth: patient and caregiver voices are essential to shaping healthcare solutions for all.

The Summit also made space for deeply personal and practical topics, from navigating a diagnosis and understanding treatment options, to mental wellness, financial navigation, and caregiver support. Specialized sessions, including programming for veterans and faith leaders, highlighted the importance of culturally responsive, community-centered approaches to care and outreach.

At its core, the Summit was not just about information. It was about activation. Attendees left with tools, resources, and the renewed confidence to advocate for themselves, support their loved ones, and drive change in their communities. The collective commitment to breaking stigma, encouraging early detection, and expanding access to care was evident in every room.

As we reflect on the impact of this year’s gathering, one thing is clear: the movement continues to grow stronger. The conversations sparked in New Orleans will carry forward into communities, into policy, and into the future of lung cancer care.

We are proud to announce that the 4th Annual Lung Cancer Patient & Caregiver Summit will take place in Tampa, Florida in Spring 2027, where we will continue building this national community of support, advocacy, and innovation. More information including the opportunity to register, will be available soon.

Until then, we carry forward what New Orleans gave us: connection, clarity, and the unwavering belief that together, we can shape a future defined not by barriers, but by possibility.