You’re a licensed social worker. What do social workers do – in general and in your role at GO2 for Lung Cancer?

I work here at GO2 for Lung Cancer with our Patient and Support Services team to help people living with or at risk for lung cancer and their loved ones to understand the disease, connect with emotional support, and access resources. That’s a pretty good example of the type of work that social work can entail. It’s about focusing on the dignity of the person—of all people—and being inspired by that to empower individuals, families, and societies in ways that help improve the communities and systems that they are part of.  This means that social workers tend to be good listeners and most people find us to be very accepting and tolerant. And in my work here at GO2 for Lung Cancer, no two days are the same and I am always learning. I love that.

What led you to work with lung cancer patients?

I worked for many years with adults and children diagnosed with psychiatric disorders in South Dakota, Montana, and the Chicago area. After I moved to the Washington, DC, area, I needed a change. I was fortunate that this organization took a chance that I could make a rather dramatic career shift. That was 2005, so I think it worked out okay! I was interested in lung cancer as my father was diagnosed with the disease late in life and I had known other people who had been diagnosed.

What’s your role in representing GO2 for Lung Cancer in international forums?

We were a founding member of the Global Lung Cancer Coalition (GLCC). GLCC is the international “voice” of the lung cancer community, with 42 current members representing 29 countries, including the United Kingdom and all of Europe. I have represented GO2 for Lung Cancer at GLCC since 2007 and I’m now on the coalition steering committee. I am also a member of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) and the International Psychosocial Oncology Society (IPOS), and I regularly present on GO2 for Lung Cancer’s programmatic work and research at their annual conferences.

Being a part of the international lung cancer and psychosocial oncology communities elevates GO2 for Lung Cancer’s profile and allows us to learn what others are doing across the globe. As we share our efforts with the goal of benefiting others, we also establish important relationships and partnerships with individuals and other organizations.

Finally, tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born and raised in South Dakota, and I am still that girl from the Plains: hard working, loyal, and a lover of nature, including lots of snow. I listen to a lot of podcasts and enjoy world and U.S. history and a good true crime story. I am always curious and like to figure out how things work. I love to travel and have visited all 50 states and over 30 countries. I am happiest exploring new places, trying new foods and meeting new people.