About BC Lung Foundation
We’re committed to giving British Columbians affected by a lung or breathing condition - hope, help and a voice.
Established more than a century ago to fight tuberculosis, the BC Lung Foundation was among the first to address the dangers of smoking, and to make the connection between air pollution and health.
Today, thanks to the generosity of our donors, we continue the fight for lung health and air quality.
We help fund vital research to advance 21st century medicine and other lung health initiatives, support lung patients and their caregivers, and educate British Columbians on how to safeguard their lung health. We also advocate for policies that protect air quality, which affects children and youth, adults and seniors. Together, they comprise the 1 in 5 British Columbians affected by a lung condition – asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer, among other diseases.
Vision: All people free of lung disease.
Mission: To improve lung health of all British Columbians.
Want to learn more about what the BC Lung Foundation accomplished in 2024? Check out our Impact Report below!
Our History
In 1904:
We were known as the BC Anti-Tuberculosis Society and for much of the 20th century, we played a critical role in funding weapons to prevent, detect and treat TB.
By 1970:
Thanks to advances in research, there were far fewer patients and dedicated TB hospitals were no longer necessary. Patients could be treated with new drugs at home or in general hospital.
In 1978:
We changed our name to the British Columbia Lung Association. TB rates had declined, and other lung diseases, especially those linked to cigarette smoking, were on the rise. We recognized the need to extend our efforts to include the entire scope of respiratory disease.
In 2021:
In November 2021 we became the BC Lung Foundation
(‘BC Lung’) discontinuing our membership agreement with the Canadian Lung Association in order to maximize our investments in much-needed support, education and advocacy programs for lung patients and families here
in BC. We’re among the first to tackle smoking, promote immunization and make the connection between air pollution and lung health.
Today:
We continue our efforts to prevent lung disease and promote lung health, addressing new and emerging threats including COVID-19 and Climate Change.
Dr Peter Pare Award in Lung Health Excellence
2024
Dr. Anne-Marie Nicol
2023
The Vigh Family
2022
Dr. Donald Enarson
Meet Our Team
Filter by Team Field:
Our Local Directors
BC Lung’s local directors work to spread awareness of lung health and the foundation’s initiatives and projects by actively engaging with their communities.
Director Names & Regions
ANNE AFFLECK – CHILLIWACK
SHARON KOROL – CAMPBELL RIVER
HALEY HILL – COURTENAY/COMOX
THOMAS DESORCY – FRASER CANYON
LYNNE ROMANO – GOLDEN
KATHY WALSH – GRAND FORKS
PETER PARE – GULF ISLANDS
DEANNA COATES + CAROLYN CHORNEYCHUK – KAMLOOPS
PAULINA WELSH – KELOWNA
ROSELLA NORMAN – KITIMAT
STEVE WAGAR – PRINCE GEORGE
MARILYN LAWRENCE – PRINCETON
MUFF HACKETT – SQUAMISH
PATTY LECLERC – TRAIL
MICHAEL ELLIS – VICTORIA
KATHY WYLIE – VERNON
JACQUELYN BRINKMAN, DR. VICTORIA COOK, JOHN DE SILVEIRA, DR. RICHARD ELWOOD, KEITH MURRAY, DR. ROBERT SCHELLENBERG, ROBYN WILSON – VANCOUVER
Audited Financial Statements
A registered charity, BC Lung* has a dedicated Executive Board of Directors who convene regularly to monitor the Foundation’s overall progress.
A non-profit and volunteer-based health organization, we depend on donations from the public to support lung health research, education, patient support and advocacy. Our Canadian registered charity number is 10681 1979 RR0001
**As of November 2021 we assumed the name BC Lung Foundation/BC Lung. Prior, our name was BC Lung Association.
Careers
Thank you for considering joining our fantastic team.
The following positions are available:
New opportunities arise frequently so please check back often.
BC Lung Foundation is dedicated to providing lung health support for all British Columbians including First Nations, Métis, and Inuk (Inuit) communities across the province. We affirm with respect the traditional territories that we live and work on. BC Lung’s office is located on the unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.