Being a parent comes with a unique set of challenges—but being a parent with lung cancer adds another layer of physical and emotional exhaustion. In celebration of Parents Day 2020, we are highlighting the unsung heroes in our community who have many accolades, including both parent AND lung cancer survivor.

Susan Smedley

“At the age of 32, I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I was a new mom to my then 11-month-old daughter and my world turned upside down.

After years of being misdiagnosed with asthma and chronic fatigue, I decided to take my health into my own hands by seeking acupuncture and alternative medicine. I decided to try a cupping treatment to help with my breathing and coughed up blood afterwards. I was sent home twice with an inhaler after clear X-rays. Finally, I received a bronchoscope which led to my diagnosis and thoracotomy.” Read the rest of Susan’s story. 

Dan Tran

“It was during my second year of my oral and maxillofacial surgery residency that I found out I had lung cancer. I had been battling back pain and leg numbness for about 2 months until finally the numbness and pain became unbearable. I went to the emergency room and it was there that I found out I had lung cancer. I was only 30 years old.

The biggest piece of advice that I can offer is that there is hope. Lung cancer is no longer a death sentence. There have so been so many breakthroughs in the past decade and there continues to be breakthroughs every year that have pushed the boundaries of lung cancer survivorship. When I was first diagnosed I never thought I would see my newborn daughter grow up, finish my residency, or enjoy a pain free life. My daughter will soon celebrate her 3rd birthday, I finished residency and now an assistant professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery, and since my spine surgery and targeted treatment I no longer have pain. Research is the key to extending our lives and hopefully finding a cure!”

Julio Sanchez

“My name is Julio Sanchez, a “Soldier for Life” after proudly serving 28 years in the US Army as a sapper or combat engineer. I live in the Fort Benning (“The Home of the Infantry”) area of Columbus, Georgia. I retired in March 2007. I am married, have two beautiful grown children, and my first grandson was born in November 2019, the same time I was diagnosed with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The best and worst time in my life!

The diagnosis was a devastating blow to my life as I knew it! I’m a non-smoker and had never been screened, so it was not even on my radar.” Read the rest of Julio’s story. 

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