Young Lung Cancer Initiative

Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit for people diagnosed with lung cancer at 50 or younger, and their families. Younger patients often get diagnosed late and are underrepresented in research. YLCI focuses on visibility, community and practical help, and pushes for earlier detection.

What they offer

• Free monthly Zoom groups (as of October 2026): Gathering HOPE, a social hosted with GO2 for Lung Cancer; Care Together for caregivers; and In Loving Memory for people who are grieving.
• Free one-on-one peer mentoring through a partnership with Imerman Angels.
• A resource directory, from biomarker testing guides to financial help and mutation-specific groups.
• Webinars, including free insurance and Medicaid sessions with Triage Cancer in October 2026.
• Occasional patient giving programs, such as gift card support for families in 2025 and 2026.

How to join and what it costs

Register once for each monthly group and you get a Zoom link for that group. As of October 2026 the groups are free. You can also join the YLCI Circle email list or the private patient and caregiver online group.

How it fits with other groups here

YLCI is about age, not a single biomarker, so many members also belong to a biomarker group like ALK Positive, EGFR Resisters or The ROS1ders. My find support guide covers how to choose.

Questions I would ask

• Which monthly group fits me or my partner?
• Do you have resources for parents talking with kids?
• Which biomarker group should I join alongside YLCI?
• Are any giving programs open now?

Contacts

• Website: ylci.org
• Programs and group sign-up: ylci.org/programs
• Contact page: ylci.org/contact