My name is McCay Manwaring and I am the on the American Lung Association Board and Chair of LUNG FORCE. My reason for joining ALA in the fight against lung cancer is my mom. In June 2013 she was diagnosed with stage 4 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. This was a pretty big shock to us because lung cancer was definitely not one of the cancers that was on our radar. She was only in her early 60's and healthy. The only sign she had came earlier in the spring when she developed a dry cough. We thought the cough was allergy related because it was Spring in south GA. When it didn't go away by June, I got worried and asked her to go to the doctor just to be sure it wasn't more than allergies.
I'll never forget the day I found out it was more than allergies. My husband, daughter and I were headed to GA to see my parents and go to the beach for the week. On the way down, I thought it was weird I didn't get a phone call from her to see how the trip was going because she always called multiple times when we were coming to see her. We got into town late and the next morning my Dad came into my room to tell me they had found a large mass in her lung. I remember going downstairs to tell her it would all be ok even though I had no idea if it would be. She put on her best face in that moment and during the months following as she fought to beat it. Her fight included lots of chemo and a course of radiation but it just wasn't enough and she passed away in May of 2014. I miss her everyday and work with ALA and LUNG FORCE to honor her with the hope we will find a cure so no one has to have the experience we did.
Through my work with ALA I have gotten to meet so many amazing people who are passionate about fighting lung cancer. This includes two people who are currenlty living with lung cancer, Joy and Mike, who amaze me with their grace, resilance and commitment to share their story to help others. The commitment of our LUNG FORCE team, and so many others who attend the Turquiose Tasting, provide sponsorships and donations, enables ALA to make an impact through research, which is leading to early detection and better treatments to give everyone a fighting chance.
I hope you will join me in my fight to find a cure for lung cancer! Thank you for your support!
McCay
