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Second Annual Jim Fifis Lung Cancer Research Fund Dinner Raises $90,000

 

Pictured L-R: Chris Fifis, Cooper Foundation Board Member; John Fifis; Vi Fifis; Susan Bass Levin, President and CEO, The Cooper Foundation; Nick Fifis; George E. Norcross III, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Cooper Health System.

The Second Annual Jim Fifis Lung Cancer Research Fund at Cooper Benefit Dinner raised $90,000 for lung cancer research at Cooper Cancer Institute.

On October 2, approximately 200 people gathered at Ponzio’s Diner-Bakery-Bar in Cherry Hill for the dinner, which celebrated the life of Jim Fifis, who was the long-time owner of Ponzio’s before he died of lung cancer in 2007.

“Jim Fifis wanted to protect other families from this devastating disease, and by coming together to raise money for the Jim Fifis Lung Cancer Research Fund at Cooper we are honoring his wish,” said Susan Bass Levin, President and CEO of The Cooper Foundation. “These dollars help ensure that the Cooper Cancer Institute remains a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.”

Prior to his passing, Fifis asked his wife, Violetta, and three sons, Chris, Nick and John to advocate for a cure for lung cancer and to work to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking.

“My dad was always a community-minded person and remained so even in his final days,” said Nick Fifis. “He showed us how important it is to help other people. By raising money for lung cancer research at Cooper we are carrying on his legacy.”

Now in its second year, the Jim Fifis Lung Cancer Research Fund at Cooper builds support to help ensure that patients have access to the best possible lung cancer care in South Jersey.

“I am thankful that the Cooper Foundation and the Fifis family have partnered to support lung cancer research at Cooper Cancer Institute,” said Frank W. Bowen, MD, thoracic surgeon and director of the Lung Cancer Center at Cooper Cancer Institute. “Research is a critical component in advancing lung cancer care and in providing newer and better treatment options to our patients.”

Lung cancer is the deadliest type of cancer in both men and women, and approximately 1 in 13 men and 1 in 16 women will get lung cancer in their lifetime. While cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, up to 15 percent of lung cancer patients have never smoked. Exposure to high levels of cancer causing chemicals, radon gas, asbestos and radiation can also increase your risk.