Phillip A. Tai Lauria

The Phillip A. Tai Lauria Fund for NET Research

Investing in research to find a cure for neuroendocrine cancer

Phillip A. Tai Lauria (Phil) passed at the age of 31 after losing his courageous seven-month battle with neuroendocrine cancer.  Towards the final days of his life, during a conversation with his parents, Phil said “We need to find a cure for this cancer!”

In an effort to honor their son’s wish, Phil Lauria and Elaine Tai-Lauria established The Phillip A. Tai Lauria Fund for NET Research to channel philanthropic efforts toward finding a cure for neuroendocrine cancer.

Family and Faith were among the most important priorities in Phil’s life. His love of Jesuit education took him from Fairfield College Preparatory School in Connecticut to Loyola University in Chicago. Upon graduation, he secured a position in digital marketing at GroupM Mindshare, and later joined Clearstream (EMX). Throughout his life, Phil continued to maintain strong friendships with his colleagues and classmates.

Phil loved getting together with family and friends for any excuse. He relished returning home to Connecticut in autumn to enjoy the colorful foliage, and in December to enjoy a “New England Christmas.” He also enjoyed living and working in Chicago, which he regarded as his second home.  In September 2017, Phil and his fiancée got engaged, however shortly thereafter in November 2017, things took a shocking turn. Phil was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer. He fought this difficult battle with fierce determination and almost supernatural strength. 

On the second anniversary of Phil’s passing, his parents established The Phillip A. Tai Lauria Fund for NET Research at the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF) in Boston, MA. Funds are awarded as NETRF grants to scientists with promising research initiatives to advance understanding of neuroendocrine cancer. This disease remains poorly understood and underfunded, despite its growing incidence and difficulty with early detection.

The Lauria family established an initial goal of $100,000 in honor of their son’s wish to fund research that improves treatments for neuroendocrine cancer patients. This first goal of $100,000 was achieved in 2022 and funded the equivalent of a Pilot Award. They have now established a second goal in 2023 of another $100,000, to fund a second Pilot Award. They hope Phil’s family, friends and associates will join them in this important endeavor.