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Who We Are
The Lily Foundation for Patient Advocacy and Empowerment is a new nonprofit organization, established in May 2025, committed to guiding and empowering patients and families during some of life’s most vulnerable moments.
Founded in loving memory of Lillie Thomas, we specialize in real time advocacy, education, and support, particularly for underserved and underrepresented communities, to help navigate a health care system that can be confusing and overwhelming.
Whether it is helping someone assert their patient rights, making sense of a complex diagnosis, or figuring out the questions to ask in a hospital room, we believe no one should face their health care journey alone.
David Thomas, MBA
Founder & Executive Director
Why We Exist
The Lily Foundation was born from a deeply personal experience. The struggles our founder, David Thomas, and his family faced while trying to navigate a flawed health care system during his mother’s final days reflect a painful reality for countless people, particularly those in underserved communities who lack resources, knowledge, and advocates by their side.
We exist to make sure that no patient or caregiver feels powerless when they need help the most. Our mission is not just about honoring a legacy. It is about transforming health care journeys for future generations, one patient, one family, and one decision at a time.
Our Mission
To serve as a compassionate advocate and educational resource for patients and their families navigating medical crises, with a focus on underserved and underrepresented communities. We empower individuals with knowledge, support, and confidence to make informed decisions in moments that matter most, and to proactively protect their health through education and preventive care.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every person, regardless of background or income, has access to skilled patient advocacy, trusted health care information, and the power to make choices that lead to better health outcomes. Our aim is to create a national network of advocates and partners who collectively foster dignity, equity, and compassion at every step of the health care journey.
Our Core Values
➥ Compassion: We treat every person with dignity, understanding, and kindness, honoring their unique health care journey.
➥ Empowerment: We equip individuals and families with knowledge, resources, and confidence to advocate for their health and well-being.
➥ Equity: We believe health care support and education should be available to all, regardless of income, race, or geographic location.
➥ Integrity: We operate with transparency, accountability, and a deep sense of purpose, putting people first in everything we do.