Celebrating Hope: Highlights from the Let’s Create Hope Annual Update & Awards Celebration
On Thursday, March 5, 2026, our community gathered for an inspiring and memorable event: the Let’s Create Hope: Annual Update & Awards Celebration. It was a special opportunity to come together to celebrate progress, recognize impact, and honor the extraordinary individuals who are helping drive hope and change for those affected by lung cancer.
Throughout the evening, guests heard powerful stories from members of our community alongside inspiring updates on the research, programs, and initiatives advancing lung cancer research and treatment. These moments highlighted the remarkable progress being made and the power of a community united around a shared purpose.
One of the most meaningful moments of the night was seeing former award recipients and dedicated LCI volunteer leaders present awards to this year’s honorees. This symbolic passing of the torch reflected the strength, connection, and continuity that define our community and the collective commitment that fuels our mission.
We were also proud to recognize our research awardees and fellows, whose work continues to advance innovation, expand knowledge, and bring new possibilities to people affected by lung cancer.
Most importantly, the evening celebrated individuals whose compassion, leadership, and dedication have made a profound impact over the past year. Their efforts inspire our entire community and help move our mission forward each and every day.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s honorees. Your commitment, generosity, and leadership truly light the way for our entire community.
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Committee Member of the Year
Allison Dyer, RN, BSN, OCN
Allison’s passion, thoughtfulness, creativity and initiative have all been instrumental in improving the experience for participants at the Charlotte LUNGe Forward 5K. After years of feedback about the previous course being confusing and difficult to navigate, Allison took initiative and led the effort to redesign the route into a more user-friendly, accessible and safe course. Allison also coordinated the creation of beautiful glass beverage cups for survivor gift bags and as she does each year, she recruited family and friends to serve, helping manage golf carts and assisting with course operations to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Allison is also a passionate ambassador for LCI and regularly refers survivors and community contacts to LCI for support and engagement. She consistently brings positive energy, encouragement, and support to fellow committee members and is the kind of teammate who lifts others up and strengthens the entire group.
Dr. Jennifer Garst Healthcare Professional of The Year
Jennifer Giordano, RN, BSN
In her role as Outreach Coordinator for ECU Health Cancer Center, Jennifer goes above and beyond to educate, support, and advocate for individuals impacted by lung cancer. She hosts monthly low-dose CT scan clinics for uninsured and underinsured patients, helping remove barriers to early detection. She welcomes screening patients like old friends—guiding them through the process with warmth, compassion, and reassurance. As the daughter of a two-time lung cancer survivor, her personal connection fuels the deep dedication she brings to her work and the meaningful impact she has made in 2025.
As a member of LCI’s Early Detection Advisory Committee, Jennifer has been a committed champion and collaborative partner for the Screening Saves Lives program. She actively shares educational materials with underserved communities, partners with LCI to expand access to screening resources, attends network meetings, amplifies key initiatives, and serves as a strong advocate for the Greenville LUNGe Forward 5K—helping strengthen both program reach and community engagement.
Impact Award
Angela Nicholson
Angela Nicholson’s dedication to Lung Cancer Initiative is deeply personal, shaped by walking alongside her husband throughout his lung cancer journey. For nine years, she has served as Chair of the Evening of Hope, providing passionate leadership that has helped raise more than $1.2 million. Her creativity and collaborative spirit have elevated the event into one of LCI’s most impactful fundraisers—most notably with last year’s record-breaking Boots and Bling celebration in a brand-new venue.
Beyond fundraising, Angela’s impact is felt in every thoughtful detail and relationship she builds. From handcrafting table décor and recruiting volunteers to securing premier auction items and championing caregiver programming, she leads with generosity and heart. A steadfast advocate for survivors and families, Angela truly embodies the spirit of the Impact Award through her leadership and unwavering commitment.
Survivor of the Year
Sharon Faw
Sharon Faw is often described as a ray of sunshine with an unwavering attitude of gratitude. She is a mentor and connector, often sending weekly texts of encouragement to LCI staff and survivors. After attending the LCI retreat in 2024, she became the glue keeping seven beautiful survivors connected in a strong community of support.
Sharon is always ready to offer help, and whether she is accepting a speaking engagement or carrying a bag of ice, she always does so with grace and a grateful spirit to serve others through her experience. She diligently holds space for survivors who need extra support through treatment and scans. She additionally shared her story at the 2025 LCI Advocacy Summit where she inspired attendees and offered a message of hope to other survivors in the room. Sharon is now serving as an LCI Ambassador where she will connect with survivors and advocates in her local community. Sharon often says, “I thank God for cancer” with her gratitude in all things. Even the hard things.
Caregiver of the Year
Curt Noble
Curt Noble has had a profound impact on the lung cancer community through his unwavering support of his wife, Judy Noble, and his encouragement of others affected by lung cancer. By standing beside Judy throughout her journey and helping her move beyond the isolation she initially felt after diagnosis, Curt has modeled what compassionate, devoted caregiving looks like while fostering a sense of belonging and encouragement for fellow survivors and caregivers.
In 2025, Curt played an instrumental role in supporting LCI events, particularly the Evening of Hope Gala “Boots and Bling.” He helped bring the idea of survivor and caregiver line dancing to life by learning the dances himself, recruiting an instructor, and regularly hosting practices at their home. Curt’s steady presence, kindness, and behind-the-scenes leadership continue to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the LCI community.
Volunteer of the Year
Beth Dyson
Beth began volunteering with Lung Cancer Initiative at the Triad LUNGe Forward 5K Run, Walk & Celebration and quickly became an indispensable part of the team. She joined the event committee, helping spread the word to local run clubs, secure donations, and support every aspect of the event—from set-up to breakdown. This past year, she also coordinated a pre-event TV interview with Cindy Farmer of WGHP FOX8 to help raise awareness.
Beth has strengthened our Evening of Hope Celebration by securing unique auction experiences, volunteered in the LCI office (often brightening our day with her pup), and joined LCI’s Ambassador Program in Fall 2025. As a thriving lung cancer survivor, she brings passion and purpose to everything she does. We are proud to honor her as LCI’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year.
Junior Volunteer of the Year
Kayla Nguyen
Kayla has volunteered with LCI since January 2024 and was an intern this past fall. Kayla has played a critical role in ensuring patients and families receive timely support by stepping in to provide interim coverage between intern cycles for LCI’s gas card and patient emergency fund programs. Her availability during these periods directly supported those impacted by lung cancer by providing continuity so that patients received assistance without delays. Her professionalism, consistency and willingness to help strengthened patient support programs and trust within the lung cancer community.
Kayla supported several LCI programs and events including helping with set up and registration at the Annual Meeting and the Advocacy Summit. She has also represented LCI at many community events including LCI’s table at the Duke Raleigh Hospital Bake Sale supporting the Triangle LUNGe Forward, Hockey Fights Cancer Night, and the NC American Indian Heritage Festival. Additionally, she was instrumental in connecting LCI with NC State’s Pack Cancer Club who organized a Pickleball fundraising tournament benefiting LCI, expanding our community engagement and fundraising efforts.
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As we celebrate this year’s remarkable award recipients, we extend our heartfelt congratulations once again. Each of these individuals truly embodies the spirit of “Let’s Create Hope” through their courage, leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our mission.
Hope grows when we recognize it in one another. Throughout the year, we invite you to nominate individuals who reflect the heart of our mission. Look for the quiet champions, the steadfast advocates, the compassionate caregivers, and the tireless professionals who make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
When someone comes to mind, we encourage you to nominate them for next year’s awards. Click here to submit a nomination and thank you for helping us continue to celebrate and uplift those who inspire us all.