Survivor Spotlight: Lori W.

I was diagnosed in June 2021 with stage 4 (IV) 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 (IV)! How had it been that just 2 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 (IV).

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 themselves. 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 doing 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 to help raise awareness and funds. I did my research and found GO2. I have attended the Hollywood, FL Walk/Run and Kite Fly twice. I also was able to advocate for more federal research funding with GO2 at the Voices Summit.

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