March 17, 2004, St. Patrick’s Day, became one of the most significant days in our lives. It is the day our mom, against all odds, became cancer free.

Bonnie Addario (center) with her daughters Andrea Parks, Chief Development Officer (left) and Danielle Hicks, Chief Patient Officer (right).

 

In the fall of 2003, after almost two years of misdiagnosis, the news came that she had Stage 3b, non-small cell adenocarcinoma lung cancer. She had a tumor in her upper left lobe that had attached to, and was pinching off, her aorta and subclavian arteries. “We are sorry, but there’s really nothing we can do, chemo may slow it down, but you should get your affairs in order.”  We did not listen. We did not give up. We were on a mission.

Our mom swore that if she made it out the other side of her diagnosis, she would see to it that no other person diagnosed with lung cancer would have to fight so hard to find quality care.  That information about lung cancer would be readily available and easy to understand. That people would have the ability to understand their diagnosis and make educated and informed decisions about their treatment options.

She held true to that promise and in 2006 started the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation—a foundation dedicated to fighting for the patient. Dedicated to providing patients with the support and education they so desperately need. Dedicated to putting patients first and giving them a seat at the table where their voices could be heard.

Knowing that no one can fight this disease alone, she made the impact stronger by working towards a merger with Lung Cancer Alliance. In 2019, the GO2 for Lung Cancer was formed. We are now the largest non-profit organization working globally to double survival.

Along with ourselves, the entire team at GO2 for Lung Cancer continues to work tirelessly alongside her to continue the fight against lung cancer. We could not be more proud.

Happy 17th Anniversary Mom.  We love you.
Danielle and Andrea