Collaboratively Fighting Lung Cancer
80% of Cases Are Non-Smokers
Rexanna's Legacy Lives On
Rexanna's Legacy
Rexanna Hawkins, 49, passed away from lung cancer on June 21, 2006 — never a smoker, she received her diagnosis on April 21, 2006, just two months before her passing. In the short time she spent at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Rexanna touched everyone around her with her sheer enthusiasm and unwavering fight to beat the cancer, even against dismal odds.
Her doctor, Dr. Daniel Karp, was so inspired by Rexanna's spirit that he helped set the foundation in motion. Dr. Don Gibbons now serves as Scientific Advisor to Rexanna's Foundation, continuing her legacy in the lab.
Rexanna coached athletics from 1979 until her passing — girls volleyball, track, and golf — across school districts in Abilene, TX and Refugio, TX, finishing 18 years as Lake Travis Middle School Athletic Director in Austin, TX.
Known for her fiery spirit, competitiveness, huge heart, and fierce loyalty, Rexanna impacted hundreds of students, coaches, and colleagues. The foundation she inspired continues to carry that energy into life-saving research every single day.
Your Gift Fuels
the Fight
Your contributions fund novel lung cancer research and patient support.
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Two Goals.
One Mission.
Fund Research
We raise critical funds for novel lung cancer research to increase survival rates.
Patient Support
We provide hope, compassion, and support to patients with all forms of cancer and their families throughout their fight.
Making a Difference
Through the Years
To date, Rexanna's Foundation has given over $1.6 million dollars to targeted research projects within the Thoracic Department of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Funding from Rexanna's Foundation has enabled the thoracic team to generate over $20,000,000 in additional grant funding. . Every seed grant has delivered a 20× return in larger research funding.
Numbers That Demand Action
The statistics reveal why Rexanna's Foundation exists — and why your support matters so deeply.
of new lung cancer cases are former and never smokers
of all cancer deaths in the US are caused by lung cancer
the 5-year survival rate has improved in the last decade
of federal cancer research dollars go to lung cancer research
Many Ways to Make a Difference
Whether you volunteer, attend an event, or simply spread the word — your involvement changes lives.
Car & Jacobi Classic Golf Tournament
Join us for the Car & Jacobi Classic Golf Tournament on April 5, 2027 at Flintrock Falls Golf Course, Austin TX.
Learn MoreSupport
Help support our events, outreach efforts, patient advocacy work, and local awareness initiatives.
Volunteer