ALK Positive
Patient-founded nonprofit for people with ALK-positive cancer and their care partners: peer groups, education, a second opinion program and research funding.
- Who it serves
- People with ALK-positive cancer and their care partners.[2]
- Community size
- 3,000+ patients and care partners in 55+ countries (as of October 2026).[2]
- Second opinion help
- As of October 2026, covers the consultation fee for eligible patients with financial barriers; travel and extra testing not covered.[4]
- Research
- Says it has committed $10.8 million to research since 2017.[1]
Who it serves
ResearchALK Positive is a patient-founded nonprofit for people with ALK-positive cancer, mostly lung cancer, and the people who care for them. It started in 2015 as an online support group and became a 501(c)(3) in 2017. As of October 2026 it says it reaches more than 3,000 patients and care partners in 55+ countries.
My experience
I joined ALK Positive's Facebook group right after my diagnosis in 2024, and it was one of the most helpful things I did. It's full of people who have been exactly where I was, so they had real advice at diagnosis and at every step since. If I'm worried about something, someone has an answer. If I need direction, someone points the way. And it isn't just patients. The group includes sharp clinicians and biomedical researchers. It feels like having a second opinion available any time, from people who truly care.
What they offer
- A large online support group for patients and care partners, plus a separate caregivers group.
- Small patient-hosted chats, with groups for newly diagnosed people, singles, men and others.
- Online learning events (ALKtALK and others), a summit and a newsletter.
- A clinical trial finder for ALK-positive cancer.
- A Second Opinion Program with ALK specialists.
- Research funding. ALK Positive says it has committed $10.8 million to research since 2017.
How to join and what it costs
You join the support groups and events through the ALK Positive website. Joining is free (as of October 2026).
As of October 2026, the Second Opinion Program covers the consultation fee for eligible patients facing financial barriers. Travel, lodging and extra testing are not covered. You apply by email (see Contacts).
How it fits with other groups here
ALK Positive is biomarker-specific. For broader lung cancer support, see LUNGevity and GO2 for Lung Cancer. For ROS1, see The ROS1ders. My find support guide covers how to choose.
Questions I would ask
- Which group or chat fits where I am right now?
- Am I eligible for the Second Opinion Program, and how long does it take?
- How do I use the trial finder with my own reports?
- Is there a group for care partners?
Contacts
- Website: alkpositive.org
- Contact form: alkpositive.org/contact
- Second Opinion Program email: SOP@alkpositive.org
- Mail: 6595 Roswell Rd, Ste G2310, Atlanta, GA 30328
Services & community focus
Nonprofit