Lung cancer is a disease that affects the young just as much as the old, and lightning can — in fact — strike one family twice.
My Story:
Twelve years ago, when I was 16, my life was forever changed with the diagnosis of a Stage 2B carcinoid tumor in my right bronchial tube. Unfortunately, my right lung could not be saved. Fortunately, after three surgeries, two hospital stays, and six weeks of recovery, my life was saved. I was cured without the need for treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.
Fast forward to the spring of 2024, when my brother was diagnosed with Stage 4 NSCLC (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer). Thankfully, his cancer tested positive for a genetic mutation — he was ALK+. This discovery qualified him for targeted therapy, which saved his life. Evan went from Stage 4 to NEC (No Evidence of Cancer) in a matter of months.
My brother and I both had two different types of lung cancer and underwent two different treatments. I am fortunate to be cured, while he will be on this medication for the rest of his life. I had surgical intervention; he did not. What we do have in common is that we are both non-smokers. Lung cancer is not just a disease that affects the elderly, smokers, or those who are genetically predisposed. It is a disease that can affect anyone — and it can strike a family more than once.
I am walking to raise awareness about this disease and to emphasize the importance of genetic testing, no matter the type of cancer. I walk to remind others that there is a future to be lived during and after lung cancer. In a life where so much is out of our control, we can still control our mindset.
