Our Initiative Team

Leah Philllips is a woman diagnosed with EGFR NSCLC at 43 years old as a wife and mother to 3 young children. Leah is the Co Founder and Executive Director of Young Lung Cancer Initiative. She is smiling wearing a green shirt.

Leah Phillips

Co-Founder & Executive Director
Leah Phillips is a lung cancer advocate and former educator based in Louisville, Kentucky. After being diagnosed with stage IV EGFR-positive lung cancer in December 2019, she shifted her focus toward advocacy and awareness, determined to help others navigate a disease that is often misunderstood.

Leah holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky and a master’s degree in secondary education from Indiana University. As co-founder of the Young Lung Cancer Initiative, Leah uses her voice and experience to amplify patient perspectives and bring greater visibility to young adults impacted by lung cancer.

When she’s not advocating for the lung cancer community, Leah enjoys spending time with her husband, Todd, who also serves as Treasurer of the YLCI Board, and their three children, Tristan, Anna-Grace, and Stockton, as well as reading, playing mahjong, and traveling.

Leah remains dedicated to ensuring that young lung cancer patients feel seen, supported, and never alone.

Bianca Bye

Co-Founder & Executive Director
Bianca Bye is a therapist and advocate based in Massachusetts with a master’s in social work. After both of her parents were diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer, she immersed herself in the lung cancer community and found herself drawn to the young adults navigating a disease the world assumed they couldn’t get. That experience led her to co-found the Young Lung Cancer Initiative, determined to build the community and resources this population deserved.

At YLCI, Bianca focuses on amplifying patient voices, expanding access to education, and shifting the public perception of who lung cancer affects.

When she’s not advocating for the lung cancer community, Bianca is spending time with her husband, toddler, and three cats, and almost certainly doing a deep dive into something you’ve never heard of.

Board of Directors

todd phillips treasurer

Todd Phillips

Treasurer
Todd is a cancer survivor and finance executive based in Louisville, Kentucky. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from the University of Kentucky and built his career growing middle-market companies. Over the years, he has served in senior leadership roles including CEO and CFO, helping businesses scale and navigate complex transactions and transformations. Outside of his professional work, Todd is actively involved in community and philanthropic efforts alongside his wife, Leah, including supporting the Young Lung Cancer Initiative and raising awareness for lung cancer patients and families. When Todd is not serving as Leah’s assistant, accountant or tech support, you can find him spending time with family, traveling or playing golf.

jacqueline dipersio secretary

Jacqueline DiPersio

Secretary
Jacqueline DiPersio is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Massachusetts with a background in clinical care, intensive care coordination, and community advocacy. Her commitment to YLCI’s mission is both professional and deeply personal, having lost both of her parents to lung cancer. She also brings firsthand nonprofit experience from helping build a local organization from the ground up, making her a natural fit as YLCI’s Secretary. When she’s not working or advocating for the lung cancer community, you can find Jacqueline behind a camera, strumming guitar, buried in a good book, or planning her next trip, all while being closely supervised by her cats Henry and Koda.

Martin bye

Martin Bye

Board Member
Martin is a financial services and operations leader with over a decade of experience scaling high-growth fintech companies. As a former Army Infantry Officer, he brings both a strategic and analytical mindset to the YLCI board. His commitment to YLCI’s mission is both professional and personal, rooted in his support for the organization his wife Bianca co-founded and a shared dedication to the lung cancer community. Martin holds a BS from Northeastern University and an MBA from Babson College. When Martin is not working or supporting YLCI, you can find him spending time with his family or out for a run.

Co-Founder

lindi

Lindi Campbell

Co-Founder (retired)