Scientists, Creators, and Technology Leaders Unite for an Emotional Evening to Accelerate the Future of Lung Cancer, Raising $15M

On May 28, some of the world’s leading scientists, technology innovators, creators, artists, and lung cancer advocates gathered in San Francisco around a shared belief: that we can dramatically change the future of lung cancer through earlier detection, greater awareness, and breakthrough innovation. 

The first fundraising event of the Susan Wojcicki Foundation, which launched just a few weeks ago, raised $15 million to accelerate that work, uniting the very communities Susan spent her life connecting. The room was extraordinary: CEOs and senior executives from major technology companies and other Fortune 500 organizations, globally recognized philanthropists, venture capitalists, a sitting U.S. Senator, leading researchers, beloved creators, and families whose lives have been touched by lung cancer—all gathered under one roof, for one mission. It was an evening filled with gratitude, purpose, and an unmistakable sense of possibility.

The evening opened with a performance by singer-songwriter Rachel Platten, including an energizing performance of “Fight Song”—a fitting anthem that set the tone of the program. Susan’s husband Dennis Troper and sisters Anne and Janet Wojcicki then welcomed guests, reflecting on Susan’s lifelong belief that the world’s toughest problems are solved when people from different disciplines come together. That philosophy now guides the Foundation’s mission to transform lung cancer outcomes through earlier detection, prevention, and public awareness.

The scientific presentations that followed highlighted both the urgency of the challenge and the extraordinary scientific opportunity ahead. Dr. Bryant Lin, a clinical professor of medicine at Stanford University who is living with stage IV lung cancer, spoke with striking honesty about a disease that is too often diagnosed only after it has already advanced—a systemic failure the Foundation is working to fill.

Dr. Sarah Blagden, professor of oncology at the University of Oxford, highlighted the opportunity in shifting cancer treatment from responsive to preventive by focusing on precancers, and described her team's pioneering work to advance a preventive lung cancer vaccine.

Finally, Dr. Lecia Sequist, a world-renowned lung cancer oncologist, illuminated how advances in artificial intelligence are opening new opportunities to implement population-wide lung cancer screening through personalized risk assessment. Together, they painted a compelling picture of what’s possible through the new Foundation’s work and the scientific breakthroughs that are just around the corner. 

An equally powerful theme of the evening was that breakthroughs are most successful with a community behind them committed to spreading awareness, breaking down stigma, and making sure life-saving information reaches everyone who needs it. That challenge is one Susan understood deeply—and it’s why the creator community she cultivated during her years leading YouTube has such a central role in the Foundation’s work. 

Matthew and Stephanie Patrick spoke about Susan's belief that creators have the power to educate, connect, and inspire action. Drawing on Matthew’s extensive work raising millions of dollars for childhood cancer research, and Stephanie's background in pharmaceutical oncology, they reflected on the importance of bringing trusted voices into health and science conversations. Mark Rober echoed that sentiment, speaking to how digital platforms can make complex scientific ideas accessible, engaging, and far-reaching. Between them, their channels reach nearly 75 million subscribers—a reminder of just how far an important message can travel when creators and scientists work together. 

Through the Foundation's new and growing Creator Advisory Council, these partnerships are designed to carry advances in lung cancer research and prevention well beyond traditional healthcare settings, meeting people where they are, in the stories and voices they already trust. The Foundation is already working with creators on ways to bring that vision to life, including through a digital campaign in November tied to Lung Cancer Awareness Month. 

Woven throughout the event were artistic tributes to Susan’s life and the lung cancer work she ignited, including an emotional dance performance by two artists from Taylor Swift’s global Eras Tour and a chilling spoken-word piece from Prince Ea that captured both the urgency of the mission and the depth of its human impact.

The evening came to a deeply moving close when Susan's husband, Dennis Troper, and their children, took the stage. Dennis and Susan’s children’s message was personal and profoundly hopeful. While the Foundation was born from loss, its future is focused on possibility. Dennis captured the spirit of the room perfectly: “This is a room full of experts, amplifiers, and allies. We need all of you. Together we can solve this. Together, it is achievable.”

Then, as if to seal that promise, Alicia Keys took the stage. The 17-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, and author dedicated several songs to Susan and her family—closing with a breathtaking rendition of "Girl on Fire."

The challenges posed by lung cancer are immense. But so is the opportunity. With scientists pursuing breakthrough discoveries, creators helping expand awareness, and leaders across technology and healthcare working together in new ways, meaningful progress is within reach.

The Susan Wojcicki Foundation was created to help accelerate that future And this extraordinary evening is only the beginning.

Learn more about our work and how you can support the mission.