Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

2. How We Use Information

• Operate, maintain, and improve the website
• Respond to inquiries and requests
• Communicate with potential collaborators, sponsors, donors, advisors, volunteers, and supporters
• Process or acknowledge donations
• Send updates, newsletters, or other communications you request or consent to receive
• Evaluate partnership or collaboration inquiries
• Administer events, programs, applications, or submissions
• Monitor website performance, analytics, and security
• Detect, investigate, and prevent fraud, misuse, or other harmful activity
• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect our rights, users, staff, research partners, and the public

3. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We may use cookies, pixels, analytics tools, and similar technologies to understand website traffic, improve performance, remember preferences, and support communications and outreach.

Some technologies may be set by third-party providers that help us operate the website, process donations, analyze traffic, or manage communications.

You can usually control cookies through your browser settings. Blocking some cookies may affect site functionality.

If we later implement a cookie banner, consent tool, or more detailed cookie notice, that notice will supplement this Privacy Policy.

4. How We Disclose Information

We do not sell personal information in exchange for money.

• To service providers and vendors that help us operate the website, communications, donation processing, hosting, analytics, security, or administration
• To our affiliated nonprofit organization, Texas Pulmonary Foundation, as needed for governance, administration, fundraising, communications, and operations
• To professional advisors such as lawyers, accountants, auditors, insurers, or compliance advisors
• To regulators, law enforcement, courts, or other parties when required by law or legal process
• To protect rights, safety, or security
• In connection with a reorganization, merger, transfer of assets, or similar institutional transition
• With your direction or consent

5. Donations and Third-Party Payment Processors

If you make a donation through the website, payment information may be collected and processed by one or more third-party payment or fundraising providers rather than directly by us.

We generally do not store full payment card numbers on our website servers.

Donation processing, payment security, and related transaction data may be subject to the privacy terms and security practices of the third-party processor used for that transaction.

6. Emails, Newsletters, and Communication Preferences

If you subscribe to updates or otherwise opt in to communications, we may send you institute news, fundraising communications, research-related updates, event information, or other messages consistent with your request or our mission.

You may opt out of marketing emails at any time by using the unsubscribe link in the email or by contacting us at cody@txpulmfoundation.org.

We may still send non-marketing messages related to donations, inquiries, applications, transactions, security, or administrative matters.

7. Research, Collaboration, and Clinical Inquiries

This website may invite collaboration, partnership, sponsor, volunteer, or research-related inquiries. Information submitted through those forms may be reviewed by TICM and Texas Pulmonary Foundation personnel and relevant advisors or service providers for evaluation and follow-up.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, website inquiry forms are not research-consent forms, are not clinical intake systems, and are not intended for urgent, confidential, or highly sensitive submissions.

If TICM later conducts formal research enrollment or human-subjects recruitment through the website, any study-specific privacy disclosures, consents, notices, or eligibility language will supplement this Policy.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this Policy, including communications, administration, donor stewardship, legal compliance, recordkeeping, security, dispute resolution, and enforcement of our agreements.

Retention periods may vary depending on the nature of the information and applicable operational, legal, accounting, tax, and audit needs.

9. Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures intended to protect personal information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, alteration, or disclosure.

No method of internet transmission or electronic storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Children's Privacy

This website is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information online from children under 13 through the public website without appropriate authorization.

If you believe a child has provided personal information through the website inappropriately, contact us and we will take reasonable steps to review and address the situation.

11. External Links

This website may contain links to third-party websites, services, articles, donation tools, social platforms, or resources. We are not responsible for the privacy, security, or content practices of third parties. Review their policies before providing information.

12. Your Choices

Depending on how you interact with the website, you may be able to:

• Opt out of marketing emails
• Decline cookies through browser settings
• Request updates or corrections to information you previously submitted
• Ask questions about our privacy practices

To make a request, contact us using the information below.

13. State-Specific and International Notes

This website is operated in the United States.

Our privacy practices may be subject to different legal requirements depending on where users are located and how the website is used. Where applicable law requires additional disclosures or rights, we may provide a supplemental notice or update this Policy.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the revised version on this page and update the Effective Date above. Your continued use of the website after changes become effective signifies your acceptance of the revised Policy, to the extent permitted by law.