There Is Hope for lung cancer

03/10/2026

My journey began in 2010, when I was 33 years old. Toward the end of October, I developed a cough that simply would not go away. By December, the cough had worsened, and the medications I had been prescribed were not helping. My body felt exhausted, and deep down I knew something was not right.

One day while I was at church, I had a severe coughing episode. As I struggled to catch my breath, I suddenly coughed up a blood clot. In that moment, fear completely took over my body. I knew something was terribly wrong. I remember thinking, I am dying. And then another thought hit me just as hard: I have three children. I cannot die and leave my babies.

I went back to my doctor and insisted on having a CT scan with contrast. The scan revealed a tumor growing in my left bronchial tube, cutting off my airway. I was immediately referred to the University of Maryland in Baltimore, where I met with an oncologist who told me I needed emergency surgery to remove the mass.

I was given three weeks to prepare. During that time, I had to report to my doctor every single day to do breathing exercises. I was warned that if the tumor moved even an inch downward, they would have no choice but to remove my entire left lung.

The surgery was expected to last five hours, but it ended up taking nine. When I woke up in recovery, I had two drainage tubes on my left side and an epidural in my back.
The next morning, my doctor came in and told me the words that changed my life forever: I had Stage 1 lung cancer.

But by the grace of God, the prayers of others, and my faith that carried me through my darkest moments, I am still here today.

Today, I stand before you as a 15-year lung cancer survivor. My journey is a testimony of faith, strength, and the power of never giving up.

03/04/2026

The 2026 Lung Cancer Voices Summit was nothing short of amazing.
We stood together on Capitol Hill advocating for $60 million for the Lung Cancer Research Program.
Did you know?
Lung cancer causes more deaths than colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers combined.

We are calling on Congress to allocate $60 million for the Lung Cancer Research Program within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), administered by the United States Department of Defense.

Research saves lives. Funding fuels breakthroughs. Voices create change.
Make your voice heard — reach out to your state senators and urge them to support this critical funding.

Together, we can make a difference.

03/01/2026

This is a must-read. The article headline is a little misleading, but the content itself is incredibly insightful.

LaKisha Cole, a Waldorf resident, was diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer 15 years ago.

02/10/2026

Today was nothing short of amazing. Standing at the State Capitol and making our voices heard for Maryland Cancer Action Day. Advocacy matters, and today proved just how powerful we are together. 🤍🤍🤍

02/04/2026

This year 2026, the World Cancer Day theme is "United by Unique." It defines the crucial role of personalized, patient-centered care in the fight against cancer. It highlights the importance of adapting cancer treatments to cater to the unique needs of each individual. 🤍🤍🤍

01/21/2026

The 2026 Lung Cancer Voices Summit is where knowledge, connection, and action come together.

This 3-day experience unites people with lung cancer, caregivers, advocates, clinicians, and supporters to learn from experts, build powerful skills, and raise our collective voice in Washington, D.C.

Whether you’re returning or joining us for the first time, your presence matters, your story matters, and your voice is essential.

Secure your spot today: Go2.org/voices-summit

Special thanks to our partners, whose shared commitment and advocacy strengthen the collective power of our community:. ALK+ Positive, Biomarker Collaborative, BRAF Bombers, EGFR Resisters, Exon 20 Group, The Happy Lungs Project, International Cancer Advocacy Network, Lung Cancer Foundation of America, Live Lung, Lung Cancer Research Foundation, MET Crusaders, NRG1 Energizers, PDL1 Amplifieds, and The White Ribbon Project.

01/14/2026

As many of you know, cancer funding was drastically cut in 2025. I can honestly say this was not only disappointing, but deeply hurtful to so many of us whose lives have been touched by cancer.

With midterm elections happening this year, every member of Congress we elected will be asking for our vote again. This is where our voices matter—and where we remind them that we hold the power.
I’m asking everyone who follows my page to please click on the link I shared and take a moment to learn what’s happening in cancer research right now. I also encourage you to read the comments. People are bravely sharing why lung cancer research matters to them, and their stories are powerful.

After reading, I urge you to contact your state representative. Share your story. Tell them why lung cancer research is important, why it matters to you, and why funding it must be a priority.

Silence won’t create change—but our voices can.

Why does lung cancer research matter to you?

💬 Share your reason in the comments and raise your voice for progress.

This Thursday, the Senate HELP Committee will consider S.1157, the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act—a critical step toward closing persistent research gaps, especially for women.

📣 Urge your Members of Congress to advance this lifesaving legislation.

👉 Take action now: https://go2.org/advocacy/take-action/

01/01/2026

As we reflect on all that we have been through in 2025, let us not allow those experiences to stop us from celebrating what lies ahead in 2026.

I created this page to give hope to everyone who has been affected by lung cancer. This space is a platform for sharing stories—stories of strength, survival, resilience, and even loss. It is a place where people can speak openly about how lung cancer has affected their lives, their families, and their journeys.

This page exists to remind you that you are not alone in this fight.
Let us take time to remember everyone who has been affected by this terrible disease, and to honor those we have lost. I don’t like to say they “lost the battle,” because their strength, courage, and love live on through us.

As we move into 2026, let us carry forward the strength and fight that define this community. Let us step into the new year knowing that together we can offer one another hope, encouragement, and support. Cancer is not a death sentence, and no one should face it alone.

I challenge everyone in 2026 to use this page as a voice—to share how you defeated lung cancer, how you are fighting it, or how it has shaped your life and your family. Your story matters, and it may be the hope someone else needs.
Together, we are stronger.

I wish everyone a very happy new year 🎊

12/25/2025

12/14/2025

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11/30/2025

As Lung Cancer Awareness Month comes to an end, let’s not allow our efforts to end with it.

Awareness isn’t something we should share only in November. It’s something we must carry with us throughout the year.

Let’s continue to educate, advocate, fight, and remain vigilant. Let’s make sure everyone knows the realities of lung cancer — its impact, its challenges, and the strength of those who face it.

Every day, rise with purpose. Share your story. Share your victories. Share how lung cancer has touched your life and the lives of those you love.

Your voice matters, and your experience can inspire, comfort, and ignite change.
Awareness doesn’t end with a month — it lives on through all of us. 🤍🤍🤍🤍

11/27/2025

I would like to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving. As we gather with family and friends, may we take a moment to truly appreciate all that we have. Let us be thankful for the blessings in our lives, the love that surrounds us, and the memories we’re creating today.
Wishing you peace, joy, and a heart full of gratitude. 🧡🍂🤍