Alex Hanan fits into the L.A. scene in many ways: a creative industry professional he is outgoing , resourceful…and young. He is part of the fabric of talent that makes the city hum and the wheels of creativity whir.

However, there are many ways Alex is exceptional: he puts himself first, he has an uncanny, uncommon knack for connecting with people. He creates new friendships all while continuing to give unconditionally to his tight-knit group of bi-coastal friends, as well as his loving parents and younger brother.

But there is one more thing that makes Alex different. At just 42 years old, this past January, he was diagnosed with a rare form of Non-small Cell lung cancer.

To say the diagnosis was shocking is more than an understatement. Alex is healthy, a non-smoker. He is the antithesis of what people think when they think of lung cancer.

Although it was and continues to be very difficult, Alex’s approach to his diagnosis was just like his approach to any other challenge he has faced in life: “I got this.”

This simple phrase sums up his willingness to calmly take control, instilling confidence in those around him that he’s got it; he’ll be okay. It has turned into a mantra of sorts. And then, something quite remarkable happened… Alex’s loved ones, inspired by his blog of the same name where he is open with his struggle, were moved by his ability to comfort those around him in the midst of his own pain. They decided to say “we got this”, letting him know that although he is strong, they are here to lift him up, to support him through whatever he must face.

It was out of this circle of love that We Got This Fund was created. Launched by Alex’s close friends and family the aim of the fund is to raise money not only for Alex, but for lung cancer research and to help raise awareness of a type of cancer far too common and and misunderstood. For, while Alex’s particular type of cancer is rare, lung cancer is not. And, it’s a prevalent myth that it only afflicts those who are older or unhealthy.

Alex’s desire to help others led to his partnership with the Lung Cancer Foundation of America, having reached out to and befriended the president and co-founder of the foundation, Kim Norris.

On Thursday evening, October 23rd, Image Locations, Inc. was honored to host the We Got This Fund, at their official announcement and first fundraising event.

Alex Hanan, second from left with Larry Stern (near left) and friends

Larry Stern, a Senior Producer at Extra and lifelong friend of Alex’s, said at the start of the event, “…[Alex] partnered with the Lung Cancer Foundation of America because he wanted to make a difference and show the world ‘we’ve got this.’ Paul Kim from Image Locations was kind enough to donate the space at a drop of a hat.”

As the sun set over a sweeping view of downtown Los Angeles, the mood was positive and up lifting as over 175 guests mingled, listened to the sounds from a DJ and enjoyed the most delicious appetizers and catering spread. Truly a group effort, the DJ, caterer, Keith, and other friends of Alex all generously donated of their time to make the night a success.

Guests mingle at the We Got This fund launch. Christine Terrisse & Morgan Jenkins for Image Locations

Moving and often funny, guest speakers, friends and even Alex’s doctor painted a picture of a man who anyone would want as their best friend.

Then, President of the Lung Cancer Foundation of America, Kim Norris, whose own husband lost his life to lung cancer nearly twenty years ago, gave some sobering, surprising facts:

*Lung cancer comprises 30% of all cancer mortality.

*60% of new diagnoses are of non-smokers.

*15% of those diagnosed have just a five year survival rate.

But there is hope, she said. Researchers have discovered everyone’s cancer is unique and are working to make treatment more targeted and individual.

Because of Alex’s type of lung cancer, he has been a candidate for Targeted Therapy and the past 10 months have been undoubtedly better because of his access to Tarceva, his form of Targeted Therapy.

Unfortunately, his Tarceva is not a cure. And while the effects of the drug seem to be diminishing, because of his generosity of spirit and the love of his friends, Alex has got this. And he wants other people to have a chance to have the best care possible. He wants to help fund scientific breakthroughs, to help spread the word and emotionally support those effected by lung cancer, letting them know…”We Got This.”

When Alex, finally rose to speak he said “I’ve never felt more alive.”

At their launch fundraising event on October 23rd, We Got This raised $19,000 in donations, 25% of which are going directly to aid the Lung Cancer Foundation of America.

Special thanks to friend of Alex and event organizer, Caitlin Thompson.

To learn more about Alex, the Lung Cancer Foundation of America and find out what you can do to help, please visit the We Got This fund website: We Got This