Upcoming Event Carr-Jacobi Classic — March 30, 2026 · Flintrock Falls Golf Course, 401 Jack Nicklaus Dr., Austin, TX · Lunch @ 11 AM & Shotgun Start @ 12:15 PM Register Now

Collaboratively Fighting Lung Cancer

Driven by purpose - we fund novel research and support patients through their cancer journey.

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Lung Cancer Facts

80% of Cases Are Non-Smokers

Lung cancer doesn't discriminate. If you have lungs you can get lung cancer.

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In Her Memory

Rexanna's Legacy Lives On

Founded in honor of Rexanna Hawkins — a woman of fierce spirit, boundless love, and an unshakeable belief in giving back.

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18+Years of Fighting
$2.4M+Funds Raised
30+Research Grants
1,200+Countless Lives Impacted
Her Story

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.

Rexanna Hawkins
Rexanna Hawkins In Her Memory · 1956 – 2006
Athletic Director — 18 years at Lake Travis Middle School, Austin, TX. Coached volleyball, track & golf.
Never a smoker — Rexanna's diagnosis highlighted the need for greater awareness and research into all lung cancer patients.
Diagnosed April 21 · Passed June 21, 2006 — In just two months, she changed the trajectory of lung cancer research in Austin.
What We Do

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.

RESEARCH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MD ANDERSON

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.

$1.6M+Directly Funded
20×Seed Funding Return
$20M+Generated in Grants
View All Research Our Grants ↗
PRIORITY RESEARCH AREAS
Early DetectionDiagnosis & screening programs
Targeted TherapyPersonalized treatment pathways
Stage 4 Lung CancerUnderstanding brain mets
Young-Onset NSCLCSurvivorship & wellness programs
Lung Cancer Reality

Numbers That Demand Action

The statistics reveal why Rexanna's Foundation exists — and why your support matters so deeply.

80%

of new lung cancer cases are former and never smokers

27%

of all cancer deaths in the US are caused by lung cancer

52%

the 5-year survival rate has improved in the last decade

9%

of federal cancer research dollars go to lung cancer research

Join the Fight

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.

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Support

Help support our events, outreach efforts, patient advocacy work, and local awareness initiatives.

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