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$2.5M Committed to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Accelerating new lung cancer treatments and bringing them to patients faster

Supporting translational research led by Dr. Alexander Drilon

Accelerating Your Path to World-Class Cancer Care

When everything else feels unclear, start here.

A late-stage cancer diagnosis brings a flood of questions, just when you feel least prepared to answer them. You’re asked to make life-changing decisions without knowing all your options. Stage4Hope exists to cut through the fog. We’ve partnered with nationally recognized cancer hospitals like Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute and Memorial Sloan Kettering, leaders in genetic testing and precision oncology, to give you direct, fast-track access to world-class care.

We make sure appointments are available in days—not weeks—so you can explore targeted therapies that may work better and cause fewer side effects than traditional chemo. Already started treatment? A second opinion could still change everything.

One Test Could Change Your Entire Treatment Plan

Genetic testing—also called molecular or biomarker testing—before chemotherapy or radiation can reveal targeted therapies, advanced drugs designed for your specific cancer. These treatments are associated with fewer side effects, improved outcomes, and the potential for a longer, fuller life.

Many patients aren’t told this testing is available. Even if your doctor hasn’t mentioned it, you have the right to ask and to wait for genetic testing results before starting treatment.

This one test could lead to more time, and more moments that matter.

Learn Why Genetic Testing Comes First >

The Right Trial Could Save Your Life

Clinical trials aren’t a last resort—they’re how many patients with advanced cancer access breakthrough therapies before they’re FDA-approved. Most patients with stage 4 cancer are eligible for a trial.

Yet only 5% of adult cancer patients enroll, often because no one explains the truth.

Clinical trials are advanced, expert-guided care—not experiments. For many with advanced cancer, they provide access to promising new treatments when standard therapies are no longer effective. While results vary, these studies may offer better outcomes, fewer side effects, and new hope.

Explore Clinical Trials >

Late-Stage Cancer Stories

Across every cancer type, individuals and families are living fully, finding strength, and discovering hope. Read more late-stage cancer stories.

HOW HOPE BECOMES HELP

Stage4Hope is a 501(c)(3) public charity founded to bring clarity, access, and real support to people facing advanced-stage cancer. We exist because hope alone isn’t always enough—especially in the face of hard news and harder choices.

We help patients reach top cancer centers quickly, receive genetic testing and expert second opinions, and access advanced treatments such as targeted therapies and clinical trials. We also fund cutting-edge research in precision oncology—accelerating the development of new therapies and better options for people with the toughest diagnoses.

Beyond treatment, we provide practical help: financial support for travel, healing retreats, research grants, a six-week emotional care program, and ongoing guidance—so no one faces this season alone. Every service we offer is grounded in lived experience and a deeper belief: that even when the life you imagined falls away, what remains can still be meaningful, connected, and full of purpose.

Explore Our Programs >

LATEST NEWS

Stage 4 Lung Cancer Clinical Trials: Access Changes Lives

When Access to Care Changes a Stage 4 Cancer Story

When Options Feel Like They’re Running Out For Nisar Hussain…

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Stage 4 Lung Cancer Breakthrough Story (ROS1 Success)

A Stage 4 Lung Cancer Breakthrough Story

When a Stage 4 Diagnosis Changes Everything When Joanne Ferrari-Mautino…

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Strength for the Journey Virtual Cancer Retreat

Strength for the Journey Six Virtual Cancer Retreats 2026

Strength for the Journey Six Virtual Cancer Retreats with Dr…

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Strength for the Journey Virtual Cancer Retreat August 17, 2026

Strength for the Journey Virtual Cancer Retreat August 17, 2026

Strength for the Journey Virtual Cancer Retreats with Dr Sharon May August 17, 2026 from 3-3:45pm EST- My Story Is Still Mine   Strength for the Journey Theme: Examine Your Life Story & Inner Life Cancer often becomes a major chapter in a person’s life story, but it is not the...
Strength for the Journey Virtual Cancer Retreat September 10, 2026

Strength for the Journey Virtual Cancer Retreat September 10, 2026

Strength for the Journey Virtual Cancer Retreats with Dr Sharon May September 10, 2026 from 3-3:45pm EST- Still Me: Choosing Who I Want to Be in This Season   Strength for the Journey Theme: Become Your Best Self Through Intentional Living This retreat centers on one of the most powerful questions...
Strength for the Journey Virtual Cancer Retreat October 5, 2026

Strength for the Journey Virtual Cancer Retreat October 5, 2026

Strength for the Journey Virtual Cancer Retreats with Dr Sharon May October 5, 2026 from 3-3:45pm EST- Letting Love Meet Me Here   Strength for the Journey Theme: Love Wholeheartedly Cancer affects relationships. Some people show up beautifully. Some disappear. Some say the wrong thing. Some try to help but...
Strength for the Journey Virtual Cancer Retreat November 2, 2026

Strength for the Journey Virtual Cancer Retreat November 2, 2026

Strength for the Journey Virtual Cancer Retreats with Dr Sharon May November 2, 2026 from 3-3:45pm EST- Wisdom for the Hard Days   Strength for the Journey Theme: Live Wisely & Resiliently Some days require courage. Other days require wisdom. This retreat focuses on emotional steadiness, self-compassion, energy management, scanxiety,...
Strength for the Journey Virtual Cancer Retreat December 7, 2026

Strength for the Journey Virtual Cancer Retreat December 7, 2026

Strength for the Journey Virtual Cancer Retreats with Dr Sharon May December 7, 2026 from 3-3:45pm EST- Meaning, Hope, and the Life Still in Front of You   Strength for the Journey Theme: Live with Purpose Cancer often brings people face-to-face with the deepest questions: What matters now? What am...

CANCER RETREAT CENTER AT FERNGROVE Opening 2027

Ferngrove is Stage4Hope’s sanctuary in Highlands, NC. Advanced cancer patients may join therapist-led retreats or simply stay at no cost for a personal retreat — a place for peace, renewal, and strength for the journey.

Your Gift Powers Research and Healing

Your support gives cancer patients access to specialists, breakthrough treatments, and healing resources—bringing hope when it’s needed most.

Stage 4 Cancer Statistics in the US

>2 Million

New Cancer Cases Expected in the U.S. for 2025

~20%

New Cancer Cases Expected in the U.S. for 2025

Women Over 50

are 82% More Likely to be Diagnosed with Cancer than Men

Sources: American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute

OUR VISION

“Our vision is to show those living with advanced-stage cancer that life doesn’t end with a diagnosis. There is still hope. There is still purpose. And there is still a life worth living.”