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COMPANY PROFILE
2016
ANNUAL REPORT
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Established in 2002, the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute (PHLBI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, research institution committed to advancing medical research that may lead to new treatments, early detection and prevention programs for chronic disorders—including diseases of the heart, lung and blood.
Modeled on the National Heart, Lung & Blood Institutes of the NIH, the PHLBI is divided into the following divisions and centers: • Pacific Heart • Pacific Lung • Pacific Mesothelioma Center • Pacific Thymus Center • Pacific Blood The Pacific Mesothelioma Center (PMC) is focused on finding better treatments for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), an asbestos-related cancer affecting the pleura, or lining of the chest.
The Pacific Thymus Center is dedicated to researching effective treatments for cancer of the thymus, of which there are two types: thymomas and thymic carcinomas. Both types of thymus cancer involve epithelial tumors.
MISSION
The mission of the PHLBI is to rapidly develop early-stage research (highly innovative, novel, untested ideas) into effective treatments.
The PMC’s mission is to better serve a growing number of mesothelioma victims by supporting the first-of-its-kind and only in-house lab in the nation and by providing hard-to-find resources such as patient support networks and treatment roadmaps.
VISION
Our values of honesty, integrity and heartfelt concern underpin the PHLBI’s vision to be a beacon for those lost in the confusion of chest diseases. Our patients and family members are key stakeholders for the PHLBI, and we believe that by educating and giving back to the community, we can join forces to help future patients fighting these diseases.
SPOTLIGHT
Clare Cameron is the executive director of The Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute. Since joining the institute in 2011, she has guided and grown the institute’s revenue through events such as the International Symposium, the Greatest Escape Motorcycle Ride and the 5K Walk/Hike for Mesothelioma.
Educated in Zimbabwe, Clare spent her early twenties working in advertising and television production in London. She produced a BBC2 award-winning documentary called “Eve Strikes Back,” and co-authored a book on the same subject.
She was the first female manager of the National Cycle League of America, and it was her experience here that led her to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, where she worked for a decade. As a Senior Director, she raised a record-setting $1.16 million in pennies one year, while in charge of the School & Youth program in Los Angeles.
Clare first met Dr. Robert B. Cameron when she was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2003. He had operated on her twice, when at her annual checkup in 2011, he mentioned that a small institute called The Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute was looking for somebody just like her to move them to their next phase of development. That was seven years ago, and Clare remains happy and honored to be in a position to meet the incredible patients and families that she interacts with daily.
PACIFIC HEART, LUNG, & BLOOD INSTITUTE 2016 ANNUAL REPORT 9
