I was diagnosed in June 2021 with stage 4 NSCLC. I did not have any real symptoms until a few days before I went to the emergency room in distress. It took more than a month for my cancer to be typed and staged.  I had Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer at Stage 4! How had it been that Just two weeks prior to my trip to the emergency room, I had raced my then 16 year old son home from a long bike ride, and won? As a non-smoker, I was blown away that I had lung cancer at all, let alone stage 4.

After being diagnosed I had biomarker testing that came back with encouraging news – I have an EGFR mutation that allowed me to try a targeted therapy. Knowing I could avoid chemo and radiation (for now) was a huge relief. In researching my cancer, I learned that it is critical for patients to understand their diagnosis and treatment plan, as well as actively advocating for yourself. I feel that I am a partner in my own treatment and cancer journey.
I have decided to take a new path after my diagnosis. I spend time with my family and things I’m passionate about. Every day is a gift and I intend to enjoy every one of them. I also wanted to find a way to channel my energy into helping myself and others. Through the years I have raised a great deal of money for the Foundation Fighting Blindness and started initially with their walk. Once I digested all of what I learned after my diagnosis, I looked to find an organization that I could align with and help raise awareness and money. I did my research and found GO2. This will be my second year attending the Hollywood, FL Walk/Run and Kite Fly. I also was able to advocate for more federal research funding last year with GO2 at the voices summit.

My advice for people who are newly diagnosed is do not panic. Find your doctors from people and organizations that you trust. Don’t rely on the statistics. You are an individual with your own health circumstances. There is real hope and a community of people waiting to support you.

You can also join us for our Hollywood, FL Walk/Run and Kite Fly, or find an event near you.