GO2 for Lung Cancer adds two directors with survivor and fundraising experience

GO2 for Lung Cancer appointed Simi Ranajee, PhD, MBA, and Kathryn “Kaydee” Castricone to its Board of Directors on July 8, 2026, adding survivor, healthcare, and nonprofit fundraising expertise. The board changes come as the organization pushes to improve survival, quality of life, and access to care for people affected by lung cancer.

Why it matters: - GO2 for Lung Cancer is adding board members with direct survivor experience and long nonprofit fundraising records as the organization works to improve outcomes for people at risk for, diagnosed with, and living with lung cancer. - The appointments are meant to strengthen GO2’s focus on survivorship, community engagement, philanthropy, and barrier removal in lung cancer care.

What happened: - GO2 for Lung Cancer announced July 8, 2026, that Simi Ranajee, PhD, MBA, and Kathryn “Kaydee” Castricone have joined its Board of Directors. - The announcement was made from Washington, DC. - GO2 Board President Rick Sherlock said the two new directors bring mission-driven leadership and complementary expertise. - GO2 Co-interim CEO Danielle Hicks said the appointments come at an important moment for the lung cancer community.

The details: - Ranajee is a two-time lung cancer survivor. - Ranajee has more than three decades of experience in healthcare, public health, strategic communications, business development, and health technology. - Ranajee has advised and led organizations ranging from emerging startups to global healthcare and communications companies. - Ranajee’s background includes patient engagement, brand strategy, fundraising, public health, and healthcare innovation. - Castricone joins after nearly two decades of involvement with GO2. - Castricone has more than 35 years of experience as a nonprofit fundraising and event-planning professional. - Castricone has supported GO2 through fundraising events, donor engagement, volunteer efforts, and community-building initiatives. - Ranajee said her survivorship and healthcare background shaped her desire to support GO2’s mission. - Castricone said her relationship with GO2 began through co-founder Bonnie J. Addario and has grown over two decades. - GO2 said Ranajee and Castricone will help advance efforts to increase survival, improve quality of life, and eliminate barriers to care. - GO2 describes itself as the nation’s leading organization dedicated to improving outcomes for people at risk for, diagnosed with, and living with lung cancer. - GO2 says it was founded by patients and survivors and works through research, education, support, and advocacy. - GO2 directs people to learn more at GO2.org and on Facebook, Instagram, X, Bluesky, and LinkedIn.

Between the lines: - The board additions signal a mix of lived experience and operational experience, which can help a patient advocacy group sharpen its messaging, fundraising, and community reach. - Ranajee’s survivor perspective may bring more direct patient insight to board decisions. - Castricone’s long tenure with the organization suggests continuity as GO2 expands its work.

What's next: - Ranajee and Castricone will take part in guiding GO2’s ongoing work to improve outcomes for people affected by lung cancer. - GO2 is continuing efforts to expand impact for patients and families while removing barriers to care. - The organization will likely lean on the new directors’ backgrounds in survivorship, healthcare, and philanthropy as it advances its mission.

The bottom line: - GO2 is betting that survivor perspective plus nonprofit fundraising experience will help strengthen its board at a critical time for lung cancer patients and families.