CHICAGO, IL (December 20, 2024) The Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation proudly announces Kirstin Chernawsky as its new Executive Director. A seasoned nonprofit leader, breast cancer thriver, and advocate for community-driven impact, Chernawsky brings her extensive experience and deep personal connection to the Foundation’s mission to eradicate breast cancer by investing in early career doctors and innovative research.
Chernawsky brings a proven track record of transformative leadership, which will greatly benefit the Foundation as it grows its reach and impact. Most recently, she served as Assistant Secretary at the Illinois Department of Human Services, where she managed six program divisions and led the state’s response to humanitarian crises, helping oversee 13,000 employees and a $14 billion annual budget. Before that, as Executive Director of Erie Neighborhood House, she nearly doubled the organization’s budget and significantly expanded programs to support immigrant and low-income families.
Chernawsky’s ability to manage complex teams and align diverse stakeholders will be instrumental in building the Foundation’s capacity to fund and convene groundbreaking research and clinical trials, strengthen operations, and deepen community partnerships.
“Breast cancer impacts one in eight women in their lifetime, a statistic that underscores the urgency of our work,” said Chernawsky. “As a survivor, I’ve experienced this journey personally, and I am honored to lead the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation in advancing cutting-edge research, launching impactful and diverse clinical trials, and investing in early-career physicians. Together, we will continue to transform outcomes for patients and families until we achieve a world without breast cancer.”
Under Chernawsky’s leadership, the Foundation is poised for an ambitious 2025, highlighted by the launch of the Chicago Breast Cancer Research Consortium’s first clinical trial. This landmark study, focused on patients with metastatic ER+/HER2- breast cancer, aims to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare disparities, and drive progress toward innovative treatments.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kirstin to the Lynn Sage family,” said Laura Sage, co-founder of the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation. “Her expertise in building diverse support, leading large teams, and driving meaningful change gives us confidence she is the right leader to propel our mission to eradicate breast cancer. With Kirstin at the helm, we look forward to expanding the reach of the Chicago Breast Cancer Research Consortium to include more equitable clinical trials and funding groundbreaking research.”
About the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation
Founded in 1985, the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits dedicated to breast cancer research. With a mission to eradicate breast cancer, the Foundation focuses on funding innovative research and clinical trials as well as supporting the education of early-career doctors. Named in honor of Lynn Sage, a cherished mother, daughter, wife, and friend who passed away at 39 after battling breast cancer, the Foundation has raised over $45 million to advance research and train the next generation of breast cancer experts. While the Foundation’s investments are focused locally in Chicago, the impact is global.
About the Chicago Breast Cancer Research Consortium
Convened and funded by the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation, the Consortium unites three renowned institutions – University of Chicago Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern Medicine, and RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center. Its mission is to make treatments more accessible, improve mortality rates, and reduce disparities in health outcomes. The Consortium will launch innovative and high-impact multi-site clinical trials for breast cancer, increasing patient access to novel treatments, diversifying trial participation, and boosting research efforts across institutions. Patients will receive treatments in their own communities with the physician and care team they select, providing equitable access to cutting edge care.
Learn more at LynnSage.org.