The AKWB

Lung Cancer Research Grant
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When Vicky Wagner-Bartak was diagnosed with young-onset, EGFR-mutated lung cancer as a never-smoker in January 2026, her diagnosis came as a shock to her family. It also revealed a reality that remains largely unseen: lung cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or smoking history.
Inspired by her mother’s experience, Vicky’s daughter Ava created the Unseen Lung Cancer Project to raise awareness and support lung cancer research. Through events at her school and in the community, Ava hopes to bring greater attention to the disease while giving other young people a way to make a difference. The name AKWB reflects the initials shared by Ava and her sisters, Ariana and Alexandra, making the grant a tribute from all three daughters to their mother.
The Wagner-Bartak family established the AKWB Lung Cancer Research Grant through Rexanna’s Foundation to support research that can improve treatment and extend the lives of people with lung cancer. They are especially grateful for the exceptional care Vicky has received at MD Anderson Cancer Center and for the scientific advances that have already given many patients more time with the people they love.
Through the Unseen Lung Cancer Project and this grant, Ava and her family hope to turn a difficult diagnosis into meaningful support for research—and help make lung cancer, and the urgent need to cure it, less unseen.
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Grant Proposals

Grant proposals will be received from researchers beginning November 1st in recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month and accepted through December 31st. Grant selections will be announced by the last Monday in January of each year. Award recognition will take place at the Houston Lone Star Huddle Up in Houston, Texas every February.
The Story of Us

The Revaire - Houston, TX

September 19, 2026
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Funded Research

Headshot of Dr. Singhi & Dr. Antonoff
Funded by —
Victor Elias Grant

MD Anderson Young-Onset Lung Cancer Program

Researchers:
Dr. Singhi & Dr. Antonoff

Survivorship through the MD Anderson Young-Onset Lung Cancer (YOLC) Program:  Promoting Wellness, Surveillance, and Long-term Health
Funded by —
Victor Elias Grant

Investigating Clinical Outcomes in Young Adults with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Researchers:
Eric K. Singhi, MD - Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Department of General Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center | Mara B. Antonoff, MD - Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

The insights gained from this project have direct implications for patient care. By better understanding the unique challenges and characteristics of NSCLC in young adults, we can improve treatment tolerability, enhance survival rates, and ultimately improve the quality of life for individuals affected by this disease. Moreover, establishment of a comprehensive clinical database made possible through this funding will serve as a valuable resource for future investigators, allowing for the exploration of additional specific clinical research questions centered around young adult patients with NSCLC. Furthermore, the knowledge generated from this study may extend beyond NSCLC to inform research and treatment strategies in other cancer types, thus illustrating the broader impact of our findings on patient care across oncologic disease spaces.
1st Annual

Pamela Henicke Grant

2020 Recipients
Primary Investigator:
Dr. Monique Nilsson
Dr. Le
Dr. John Heymach

The total grant of $50,000 will be focused on developing new strategies for enhancing anti-tumor immunity in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. The identification of new and effective therapies for EGFR-mutant, TKI resistant tumors is currently a critical unmet need.
Pictured from left to right: Lisa Spain (Executive Director of Rexanna's Foundation), Dr. Le, Kenedy Henicke (Pamela's daughter), Greg Henicke (Pamela Henicke's spouse), Lawson Henicke (Pamela Henicke's son), Dr. John Heymach.