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This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we honor the legacy of Demetrios “Jim” Fifis and the incredible impact of the Fifis Lung Cancer Research Fund. Founded in 2011 with the hope that early intervention and research can prevent early death, the fund has raised over $1 million to support research and screening programs at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper.

On August 22, 2007, the Fifis family and the Cherry Hill community lost a truly dedicated businessman and friend. After several years of a tough fight, Demetrios “Jim” Fifis lost his battle with cancer. The love he had for his restaurant, Ponzio’s, his family and the community was plainly visible to all.

“This was our father’s dying wish,” said Chris Fifis, Director of Business Development at GRASSI and Cooper Foundation Board Vice Chair Member. “He did not want other families to have to go through the pain we went through. We could think of no better way to remember our dad and his love for the community than by partnering with Cooper to help fight lung cancer.”

Keeping with that wish, his family has created The Jim Fifis Lung Cancer Research Fund to honor Jim by supporting lung cancer research at MD Anderson at Cooper.

The fund has been pivotal in the following research programs:

• Use of radiosurgery for patients with locally advanced lung cancer (put this first)
• Molecular mechanism and targeted therapy for cancer – use of pleural cytology to understand mechanisms of cancer development and treatment
• Effect the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine has on the drainage of pleural effusion
• Comparing the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction on patients with lung cancer suffering from insomnia.

Approximately 1 in 17 men and 1 in 18 women will develop lung cancer in their lifetime and according to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the largest cancer killer in New Jersey. Additionally, South Jersey residents have lung cancer rates that exceed the state average. Research, early detection and clinical trials are the most effective weapons to diagnose and treat lung cancer at its earliest stage where complete remission has the greatest opportunity.

Today, the Fifis family’s commitment continues to inspire others to join the fight against lung cancer. Their generosity and leadership have fueled vital discoveries and brought hope to countless patients and families across South Jersey and beyond.

This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we honor Jim’s enduring legacy—a legacy of love, community, and a shared determination to create a future free from lung cancer. lung cancer.