Shining a Light and Continuing a Legacy: Kim’s Story

For Kim Goodloe, family and community have always been at the center of her life. She and her husband, high school sweethearts who just celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary, spend their time surrounded by their children, friends, and church family. Kim also enjoys traveling, networking in her community, and giving back through advocacy. 

That passion for advocacy became deeply personal when her sister, Dr. Karen Leigh Bryant, passed away from lung cancer. “I didn’t want that to be the end of her story,” Kim said. “I wanted her legacy to continue.” 

Soon after her sister’s passing, Kim visited Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute in Atlanta and shared her desire to advocate for lung cancer awareness. A volunteer coordinator connected her with GO2 for Lung Cancer, and she quickly found her place in the advocacy community. “I was still grieving, but I knew I had to act. This was a way to honor my sister and shine a light on lung cancer.” 

Becoming an advocate 

Over the years, Kim has used GO2’s resources to help others, sharing information in her own community, with survivors and families, and even on Capitol Hill and the Georgia State Capitol when advocating for heart health (15 years of service) for the American Heart Association. She says GO2 has given her the tools to connect people with information, programs, and support. This is something she considers a critical part of her mission. 

Hosting a Shine a Light on Lung Cancer^® event 

In 2024, Kim hosted her first Shine a Light event at a local Food Cooperative Ministry: reaching undeserved communities with general information and resources. It was powerful to connect with the families, raise lung cancer awareness, and share valuable resources. 

“It was powerful to meet survivors and their families and celebrate every story,” she said. 

This year, Kimberly will host her Shine a Light event in Decatur, GA, for lung cancer patients and their families. She will also be sharing GO2 for Lung Cancer resources throughout Metro Atlanta. “My goal is to raise awareness, promote GO2, and keep my sister’s legacy alive,” Kim said. “Shine a Light is such a big platform—people don’t know enough about lung cancer, and we all need to shine a light on lung cancer each and every day.” 

Advice for new hosts 

Kim encourages others who are considering hosting a Shine a Light event to take the leap. “Do your research, select a venue, and provide materials that connect with your audience,” she said. “And stay in touch with GO2 —they’ll help you every step of the way.” 

For Kim, Shine a Light is more than an event. It’s a way to transform grief into action, to celebrate survivors, and to continue her sister’s fight. “I advocate for lung cancer in loving memory of my sister, Dr. Karen Leigh Bryant. To continue her fight and keep her legacy alive. Also, to advocate for lung screening and early detection, for more research to save more lives, and to increase mental health support for patients and their caregivers.”