Lazarex Cancer Foundation

History
Dana Dornsife first became involved in cancer patient advocacy in 2003 when her brother-in-law Mike Miller was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Mike and his wife Erin had three children, the youngest of whom was only four years old. Dana searched for options for Mike that would give their family some additional time together. She found a clinical trial for Mike. He responded well and lived long enough to help his sons prepare for their future and for his daughter to remember him.

We have watched pain-ridden, emaciated souls
return to fulfilled lives
with family, friends, passion and love.

There are people with us today
who would not be here
without our efforts because …
hope breeds possibility.
– Dana Dornsife

Meet our VIPs (Very Important Patients)

So many dreams at first seem impossible,
then they seem improbable,
and then,
when we summon the will,
they soon become inevitable.
– Christopher Reeve

Why Lazarex? What Makes Us Unique?
Lazarex is the only 501(c)(3) public charity that does what we do. We focus on helping patients with all types of cancer, of all ages, from all walks of life. We promote early stage diagnosis to increase survival, especially for the medically -underserved.

For these patients, Lazarex is literally their last line of defense.

Non-Discrimination Policy: Patient Services
Lazarex Cancer Foundation is committed to the principles of equal access to services. Lazarex prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender or gender expression, marital, familial, or parental status, religion, genetic information, military status, political beliefs, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal law, in connection with its programs and activities. This policy extends to all personnel decisions, terms and conditions of employment, vendor contracts, and the provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and patients.

LCF Statement on Diversity and Racial Equity
The escalating climate of intolerance and racism toward the Black community, highlighted by the very public and unjustified killing of George Floyd and many others has catalyzed people of all colors worldwide to address the undeniable deep roots of racism in our society. Many of us are getting an education like no other, leaving no doubt that racial injustice is not a black or brown problem. It is a problem that belongs to all of us.

Until we are all free, we are
none of us free.
– Emma Lazarus

At Lazarex Cancer Foundation, we continue our work to address systemic racism in the healthcare system by highlighting the barriers that perpetuate it and working with stakeholders to dismantle them. We acknowledge that racial equity is not yet a reality. It is ingrained in our mission to fight for equitable access to quality cancer healthcare for all people, with a focus on minorities and the medically-underserved. We stand in support of the Black community and will continue to do our part to fight for racial justice.

While cancer does not discriminate, Black, Asian, Latinx, Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans face disproportionately higher rates of mortality from cancers that could be survived when diagnosed and treated early. But racism, poverty, low wages, language, cultural barriers, and lack of access to good nutrition are barriers to wellness, cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This is fundamentally and morally wrong.

Lazarex Cancer Foundation will remain steadfast to our mission to create an environment of equity within our organization, our relationships, and the services we provide. We will hold ourselves accountable and look forward to sharing our findings and plan with you.