When Debbie P. learned that a small “ground glass” spot on her right lung, one that had been monitored for years, was actually adenocarcinoma, she suddenly found herself facing the unthinkable.
“From my first appointment with the surgeon, he told me he would assign a nurse navigator,” she recalls. “Since then, my amazing nurse navigator has been with me at appointments and available for support and resources every step of the way.”
After a successful surgery to remove her right lower lobe, Debbie faced several complications in recovery—pneumonia, medication reactions, and fluid that required thoracentesis. Through it all, she leaned on her care team and family for strength. One day, her nurse navigator, Tana, told her about GO2’s Sacramento 5K Walk/Run, and Debbie decided to give it a try.
“I didn’t set out to be a team leader,” she says, “but as my friends and family started signing up, we created Team Debbie. It felt so special to give back to the community that gives so much to people like me.”
Moments that mattered
For Debbie, GO2’s 5K became far more than a race. It was a day of connection and hope. She remembers seeing her care team—surgeons, nurse navigators, and other medical professionals—show up to walk and run beside patients.
“That meant so much,” she says. “I had just had a thoracentesis the week before, so I wasn’t in the best place physically or emotionally. But I felt surrounded by love from my family, my care team, and my GO2 community.”
Her husband, Rob, was her rock through it all, driving her to appointments, helping organize the team, and hosting a “thank you” celebration after the event. Her children and grandchildren proudly wore their Team Debbie shirts (designed by her daughter), and her son even ran competitively in her honor. Seeing old friends and even reconnecting with a high school classmate who donated after seeing her Facebook post brought unexpected joy and encouragement.
“All these moments gave me such a sense of not being alone,” Debbie says. “I realized I could also be part of the encouragers as I continue my journey.”
Building connections beyond the 5K
At the pre-race dinner in Sacramento, Debbie met others deeply involved in GO2’s mission. This included Mary, who later became her Phone Buddy.
“I wanted to talk not just about the medical side of cancer, but about the emotional and personal challenges that come with it. Having someone who truly understands has made such a difference,” Debbie says.
Reflecting on Lung Cancer Awareness Month
This November marks a full year since Debbie’s diagnosis, making Lung Cancer Awareness Month especially meaningful.
“It’s my opportunity to support others the way I was supported,” she says. “I want to do whatever I can to support someone else going through this because other people are supporting me.”
Debbie encourages others to take full advantage of the programs available through hospitals and community organizations, from nurse navigators and wellness programs to exercise classes and emotional support groups.
“You are not alone,” she adds. “Everyone’s diagnosis is different, but there are so many more options and resources now than there used to be. Each of these helps you heal in different ways.”
Join the movement
Debbie’s story is a reminder of the power of community, connection, and hope. This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, honor survivors like Debbie by joining a GO2 5K Run/Walk near you, or by starting your own team. Every step helps fund programs, research, and resources that ensure no one faces lung cancer alone. Find an event and join us!
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