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Board Member Jack Lee Fong, 96, donates up to $125,000 to start a matching gift campaign to raise fund for Chinese Hospital

Portia Li / 李秀蘭
Portia Li / 李秀蘭
December 11, 2022
Board Member Jack Lee Fong (center), donates up to $125,000 to start a matching gift campaign , Lung Health Challenge, to raise fund for Chinese Hospital. Photo by Portia Li 華埠僑領兼東華醫院董事方創傑 （中），出錢出力，捐助 12萬5000元， 鼓勵各界配合為「提升肺部健康」運動捐助東華醫院。李秀蘭攝影
Board Member Jack Lee Fong (center), donates up to $125,000 to start a matching gift campaign , Lung Health Challenge, to raise fund for Chinese Hospital. Photo by Portia Li 華埠僑領兼東華醫院董事方創傑 （中），出錢出力，捐助 12萬5000元， 鼓勵各界配合為「提升肺部健康」運動捐助東華醫院。李秀蘭攝影

(SAN FRANCISCO) Jack Lee Fong, long time member of the Chinese Hospital’s Board of Trustees and Chinatown community leader, donated up to $125,000 to initiate a matching amount fundraiser for the Chinese Hospital to promote lung health and prevent lung cancer.

Fong, 96, has owned an insurance business in Chinatown for decades. He has also been actively involved in community service among various organizations in Chinatown, including serving on the Board of Trustees for the Chinese Hospital.

Chinese Hospital announced the Matching Gift Challenge to Benefit Lung Health fundraising campaign on December 2 and honored Fong with the Outstanding Community Leader Award to recognize his longtime service for the Chinese Hospital.

The goal of the Matching Gift Challenge fundraising is $250,000. The funds will be used to promote early detection of lung cancer and raise lung cancer awareness.

Fong and his family members have been deeply affected by lung health. Fong's daughter-in-law, Joan Chen Fong, died of lung cancer at the age of 59. She had no warning signs before she was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Harvey Louie (second from far left) , Acting Board Chair of Chinese Hospital, presents the Outstanding Community Leader Award to Jack Lee Fong (center). Fong’s wife and children share the pride with him. Photo by Portia Li
Harvey Louie (second from far left) , Acting Board Chair of Chinese Hospital, presents the Outstanding Community Leader Award to Jack Lee Fong (center). Fong’s wife and children share the pride with him. Photo by Portia Li

"Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer among Asian Americans, and the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, accounting for 25% of all cancer deaths," said Dr. Jian Zhang, CEO of the Chinese Hospital.

"In the U.S., lung cancer causes more deaths than breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined. It is also a women's health issue that causes approximately twice as many deaths as breast cancer," Zhang said.

Zhang emphasized the importance of early detection for lung cancer. "If cancer is discovered early, it can be a game-changer for better survival and outcome. Early detection can reduce lung cancer mortality by 20%. The five-year survival rate for early-stage lung cancer is 60% compared to 5% in stage 4." Zhang said. "Lung cancer screening is something that we should all consider and promote to avoid discovery by accident. Ask your doctor if you should be screened."

Details of the Fong Family Lung Health Matching Fund can be found at www.ChineseHospital-SF.org/donate-now. You may select "Lung Health Challenge" under "I would like my gift to support" webpage to contribute.