About Us

Protecting firefighter lungs, led by students

The long-term respiratory risks firefighters face, and the practical service students can lead in response.

501(c)(3) nonprofit
Project Pulmonary youth-led pulmonary health nonprofit volunteers at a community fair booth
Two Project Pulmonary volunteers holding a firefighter helmet at an event

Our Founders

In January 2025, the Palisades Fire tore through our Southern California community. Realizing the carcinogenic burden it left on firefighters' lungs, we started Project Pulmonary.

Elena, Project Pulmonary co-founder, at the U.S. Capitol
Co-Founder

Elena

My grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer only after it had already spread, because no one screened her early enough. That became my conviction: catching disease early is often the difference between treatable and terminal. When the Palisades Fire hit, I watched firefighters inhale thick, carcinogenic smoke with no real protection and no system tracking what that exposure would mean for their lungs years later. I founded Project Pulmonary because firefighters deserve protection at every stage: prevention, care, and policy that makes it permanent.

Bettina, Project Pulmonary co-founder, at the U.S. Capitol
Founder

Bettina

Growing up in Southern California, wildfires were part of life. The Palisades Fire pushed me to learn more about the carcinogens in wildfire smoke, and how overlooked the lung cancer risk from that exposure really is. I co-founded Project Pulmonary to combine my interest in public health with hands-on community service, protecting firefighter health while bringing more students into the work.

Our Approach

How we work

01

Why firefighters

Smoke, toxic particulates, and carcinogens are part of the occupational reality firefighters navigate. Project Pulmonary is built to keep those long-term respiratory risks visible and actionable.

02

How we work

Our chapters organize projects with high schools and elementary schools, connect with local stations, and create service opportunities that translate directly into firefighter support.

03

Not just an awareness campaign

Project Pulmonary is a structured nonprofit with recognizable initiatives, measurable results, and a defined community-health purpose.

Testimonials

In their own words

Hi, my name is Jaiden Bloodworth, and I'm so excited to be a part of the Project Pulmonary Executive Team. I serve as the Government Affairs Director, and my team will focus on lobbying government officials on behalf of every firefighter. I believe every firefighter should have the resources and support necessary to serve their communities, and that Project Pulmonary is the best way to help them. My team and I hope to raise awareness about hazardous environments and enhance cancer prevention through our governmental efforts. I hope that, through my participation, I will connect like-minded individuals to prevent future problems and provide current solutions in this field. I'm very excited to work with this team, and I look forward to what we accomplish in the future!

JB
Jaiden Bloodworth
Chief of Government Affairs

Hey, my name is Harshitha Venkatesan, and I'm so excited to be part of this initiative. I serve as the Community Outreach National Board Director, and what draws me most to Project Pulmonary is its focus on education, awareness, and making a real difference in people's lives. I think what Project Pulmonary does is really important because it teaches people about lung health, how to prevent problems, and helping spread important information about lung health and prevention. Being part of this also connects to what I want to do in the future because I'm interested in healthcare and helping people. I'm proud to be part of something that makes a difference in people's lives and supports our community!!

HV
Harshitha Venkatesan
Chief of Community Outreach

Hi my name is Christy Chen, I am so proud to be a part of Project Pulmonary. Project Pulmonary's mission is extremely inspiring and meaningful as it focuses on spreading awareness about lung health and cancer prevention as well as bettering the lives of firefighters. I love being able to do something and help out my community and especially our firefighters that work so hard to keep us safe.

CC
Christy Chen
Chief of Onboarding

Hi, my name is Siri Damu, and I'm really happy for the opportunity to be part of this. I think Project Pulmonary's mission is really meaningful because it focuses on spreading awareness and education about lung health and prevention, which is something that impacts so many people. My team works on creating podcasts and articles to help make medical topics more accessible and engaging. Being part of this connects a lot to my future goals, as I plan to pursue pre-med in college and eventually become a pediatric cardiologist. I'm really interested in combining education, advocacy, and patient care to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. Overall, I'm excited to be involved in something that aligns so closely with what I hope to do in the future.

SD
Siri Damu
Chief of Research and Medical Affairs

Hi, my name is Nora Naveen, and I serve as Chief Technology Officer, Chief of Chapter Development on the national team, and President of the DFW Chapter in Texas. What draws me most to Project Pulmonary is the opportunity to use strategy, technology, and community-building to support people who put their lives on the line for others. I have always been deeply interested in medicine and in helping people in moments when support matters most, and this work allows me to bring those values into action. Through my roles, I hope to strengthen the organization's digital presence, help new chapters grow with purpose, and expand our reach so more communities can engage with our mission. I'm proud to be part of an initiative that combines advocacy, service, and health education, and I'm excited to help build a future where more firefighters and families have access to the awareness and support they deserve.

NN
Nora Naveen
Chief Technology Officer
The Team

Faces behind the mission

Handwritten get-well and encouragement cards laid out on a table
Project Pulmonary students with a Ventura County firefighter
Project Pulmonary student wearing a firefighter helmet at a Dominican Republic fire station
Project Pulmonary student in a firefighter jacket beside a Ventura County fire truck
Project Pulmonary students at a chapter event
Project Pulmonary students at a chapter event
Project Pulmonary NYC students at a hot cocoa fundraiser table
Students holding handmade cards in a classroom
Handwritten get-well cards laid out on a table
Project Pulmonary students standing on a fire truck bumper
Project Pulmonary student inside a fire truck cab
Project Pulmonary presentation in a classroom with a firefighter
Large group of Project Pulmonary students at a chapter event

Join a chapter, start one, or support the mission directly

Project Pulmonary's programs are made possible with support from these partners.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Mathnasium C2 Education Rhapsody Education American Lung Association Origami for Good Apricus Literacy The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Mathnasium C2 Education Rhapsody Education American Lung Association Origami for Good Apricus Literacy