Lung health has always fascinated me. In my career as a physical therapist, I was always drawn to all things related to breathing. Additionally, as a fitness professional, I was passionate about exploring how to inspire people to live in the strongest body possible. I truly believe that living in a strong body affords us the choice to do what we want and when we want to do it. Being able to breathe well is an essential part of this choice.
On a more personal note, my nephew was born quite prematurely. Worrying about the development of his lungs and breathing was a concern for quite some time in his early life. Without research, some of the groundbreaking treatments that accelerated the development of his lungs before he was born, and treatments that protected him as a neonate, might not have been available. Research and science contributed to my nephew being the high-performing cross-country skier he is today—a choice he may not have had many years ago.
Lung Saskatchewan has long been associated with leadership in the promotion of lung health, providing access to education embedded in science, and supporting groundbreaking lung health research that finds solutions and fosters innovation. The work that Lung Saskatchewan either leads or contributes to in lung health policy, prevention, and education has a common denominator: science and research. Our ability to do great work in these spaces results from our partnerships, donor support, and Lung Saskatchewan’s unwavering commitment to supporting innovative lung health research in the province.
A Shared Commitment to Lung Health Research
Partnerships bring more resources and expertise together to achieve a common goal. Entering a second five-year partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) to co-fund one million dollars in research is an example of this goal and being better together. Lung Saskatchewan and SHRF, through the Solutions Program, both recognize that this collaboration amplifies the impact of research by funding research that addresses Saskatchewan’s health challenges. The Solutions Program supports interdisciplinary teams of Saskatchewan researchers and knowledge users—like policymakers, health system leaders, and clinicians—who are addressing pressing health needs in Saskatchewan.
Research We Support
Two examples of Solutions Program projects that were funded this past year and are addressing lung health challenges are:
- The Mindful Lung Study: Helping Lung Cancer Survivors Through Mindfulness Techniques
Researchers in this project are using a mindfulness program called MIND-OP and tailoring it specifically for lung cancer survivors in Saskatchewan. Working with survivors and caregivers to understand their unique challenges, MIND-OP is an online, self-guided program designed to be easy to access and use, no matter where someone lives. - Targeted Radiotherapy as an Alternative Combination Therapy for Lung Cancer
Researchers in this project are testing a new radiotherapy targeting a protein called Nectin-4, both on its own, and in combination with existing immunotherapies like pembrolizumab. This approach will provide a basis for future Phase I clinical trials.
The ongoing generosity of our community of donors is important to Lung Saskatchewan. Your contributions make our ability to fund Saskatchewan research projects that look to address pressing health issues possible. Your donations give hope to those affected by lung diseases like lung cancer. Thank you for your continued support and for fueling innovative research that can make a lasting impact on lung health.
Thank you for supporting lung health in Saskatchewan.
Trent Litzenberger
Vice President, Mission Integration
Lung Saskatchewan
P.S. Since 2018, Lung Saskatchewan and SHRF have invested over one million dollars in lung health research, funding over 15 projects in areas like lung cancer, asthma, sleep apnea, lung transplant, and COPD. Learn more at https://www.lungsask.ca/research!