On February 12, 2021, I was diagnosed with stage 3 squamous lung cancer. My treatment for cancer was chemotherapy and radiation. The cancer only metastasized to other parts of my body, more chemotherapy and radiation was administered to combat this terrible disease. In many ways I felt defeated, but I kept my faith in God and trusted my oncology team. They recommended two immunotherapy drugs, Opdivo and Yervoy. I took these drugs for two years in hopes that it would slow down the cancer. I’m happy to report that it has worked. I’m back to maintaining a normal life with my family and friends. 

This is my 3rd year participating in the Lung Force Walk at The Detroit Zoo and I believe that this is an important event to bring awareness to everyone. In 2023, I was named a Lung Hero for Michigan with the American Lung Association, and was given the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Congress to share my story and to advocate funding for research, early detection, treatments and cures for lung cancer through the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institute of Health (NIH). 

To my family and friends, please do whatever you can to learn about this terrible lung disease. I’m asking you to please support our team’s fundraising efforts or join us on walk day.