The LAM Foundation Mission and History

Our Mission

The LAM Foundation urgently seeks safe and effective treatments, and ultimately a cure, for lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) through advocacy and the funding of promising research. We are dedicated to serving the scientific, medical and patient communities by offering information, resources and a worldwide network of hope and support.

Our History

The LAM Foundation is the global leader in the fight against Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). The Foundation began in 1995 as a grass roots effort and has evolved into an organization that is described by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) as "a model for voluntary health agencies." Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Foundation embodies all of the elements required to move LAM research from the laboratory to the clinic. The Foundation embraces women with LAM and their families, provides support and education, engages doctors and scientists, and raises funds for the study of LAM. With the funding of promising research as our central mission, the Foundation has elevated LAM from the ranks of rare and forgotten diseases into the minds of many experts in pulmonary medicine. The LAM Foundation funded the first LAM research that resulted in the fundamental understanding of the genetic cause of LAM and the first ever LAM treatment trial. It is amazing how far LAM research has come in such a short period of time, thanks especially to the many researchers who have helped to make this disease a research priority. LAM and Tuberous Sclerosis researchers have identified a wealth of potential molecular targets and experimental therapies that may be appropriate for testing in clinical trials. Many of these drugs are FDA-approved or in development for other indications.

The majority of the $16 million raised by The LAM Foundation has supported 102 peer-reviewed grants and other research projects for the study of lymphangioleiomyomatosis . Scientists funded by The LAM Foundation have reported several major breakthroughs. These scientific discoveries have been pivotal events in LAM research and provided the scientific basis for the first ever LAM treatment trial (MILES) which began in 2003 and was completed in 2010. The results from the MILES Trial are published in the New England Journal of Medicine.  Click here to read the article.

Core Values

The LAM Foundation is committed to serving the unique needs of women with LAM. In fulfilling our mission, we are guided by the following principles:

  • We value a caring, personal response to LAM patients and their loved ones.
  • We believe trust and credibility are earned by applying the highest standards of excellence.
  • We are responsible to the LAM community through strong leadership.
  • We value inclusiveness.
  • Hope is vital.

Click here to see Milestones in LAM.