News
Lung Cancer Awareness Initiative Launched at GPS
Two-day event highlights importance of early screening and detection
On Monday, November 4, students and faculty at Girls Preparatory School dedicated a day to lung cancer awareness, featuring a series of engaging events designed to educate and inspire. The day was organized by Cathy Headrick Fiacco '83 and in conjunction with CHI Memorial and Dr. Rob Headrick, a Chattanooga thoracic surgeon, to highlight the role of medicine and engineering in combating lung cancer, address the stigma surrounding the disease, and encourage early screening.
The day began as students gathered to discuss careers in medicine and engineering with Cathy and Dr. Headrick. Speaking to health and engineering students, they illustrated how the fields come together to diagnose and treat lung cancer. In an interactive discussion, students examined misconceptions about lung cancer and brainstormed solutions to encourage more widespread screening.
Following the focus group, students decorated and signed white ribbons to symbolize their commitment to the cause. A second focus group session with the GPS Health Club continued discussions about lung cancer’s impact and ways students could become advocates for awareness and prevention.
The highlight of the day was an afternoon assembly in Frierson Theatre, where all upper school students and faculty gathered for the official launch of the initiative. The event honored GPS alum Cate Tinkler Mueller from the Class of 1983, and a ceremonial white ribbon was presented to lung cancer survivor Joan Frierson '60 by her granddaughter, Bennett Brown '26.
The assembly featured remarks from Dr. Headrick, who spoke passionately about the importance of early detection and community support for those affected by lung cancer. GPS alumnae Karen Burns '83, Cathy Headrick Fiacco '83, Elizabeth Forrester '94, and Katherine Ruffner '83 were also recognized for their contributions to the initiative.
Still to Come
Still to Come
On Tuesday, November 12, GPS will host an all-day “Breathe Easy” Lung Health Awareness event, bringing the Breathe Easy Lung Bus to campus for an immersive educational experience focused on lung health. The event will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring an interactive mobile lab for on-site lung screenings and case study presentations, providing the GPS community with opportunities to learn about lung function, health, and preventive care.
Inside, students will dive into an interactive STEM lab with case study presentations tailored to each course’s curriculum. The schedule includes a rotation of classes engaging in discussions and activities related to lung anatomy, health, and engineering innovations in respiratory care.
The “Breathe Easy” event is designed to spark students’ curiosity about lung health and respiratory sciences while underscoring the significance of preventative care. The Lung Bus and STEM labs will be open to all community members, making this event a memorable learning experience aimed at raising awareness and fostering a community commitment to health and wellness.
Watch Dr. Headrick and Cathy present the project on "3 Plus You" here.
