Michele’s Commitment to the Lung Cancer Community

Michele H. is part of LungSAVERs, GO2’s monthly giving club. This dedicated group of donors has committed to providing a monthly gift to help sustain GO2’s mission to confront lung cancer on every front, every day, for everyone. Their commitment ensures that our lifesaving programs, including research, advocacy, awareness, and patient support, are sustained and provided free of charge for anyone affected by lung cancer.  

I am a 66-year-old wife, mother, grandmother, and acupuncturist. Even though I never smoked a single cigarette and lived a VERY healthy lifestyle, I was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2011. My doctor caught my tumor on an X-ray I had done for another diagnostic test. I had a right upper lung lobectomy with no follow-up chemotherapy or radiation. Since then, I have had no evidence of disease. I was, however, thrown into the world of dismal survival rates and the terrible smoking stigma of lung cancer, which stops so many from getting early detection and lifesaving treatment. 

I always do better in stressful situations if I can take action. I found GO2 for Lung Cancer, which advocates for increased funding for cancer research. I joined other lung cancer advocates in Washington, D.C. at GO2’s Voices Summit to say my piece to my congressional members. It was very therapeutic for me.   

I attended events whenever I could, but it occurred to me that if I couldn’t be there in person, I could still donate the expenses I would have had to take on to participate. I started a monthly donation. I feel like it keeps me connected to the work even if I can’t always be there physically.   

The impact of our advocacy has been impressive. Survival rates have improved, and awareness of the critical need for more lung cancer research has also increased. Giving an affordable monthly amount is easy, and it can mean the world to someone fighting this disease.   

I was lucky. Accidentally catching my cancer has allowed me to live well into my 60s and welcome 2 beautiful grandchildren. I want that for everyone. GO2 is doing the work. I am helping.