Lung Cancer Survivors | Stories of Hope and Courage

How EGFR Mutation Testing Gave Amy Hope

Amy was a smoker when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. Find out how EGFR mutation testing revealed the true cause of her cancer and saved her life.

Survivor Text English

EGFR, radiation, smoking, stage 4, stigma, targeted therapy

ALK-Positive Lung Cancer: Tim Smith’s Story

Tim Smith was a young, active firefighter and father to two young boys when he was diagnosed with ALK-positive lung cancer. ALK gene testing saved his life.

Survivor Text English

ALK+, biomarker testing, stage 4, targeted therapy

From Uncertain Lung Cancer Test Results to Immunotherapy: Sandy’s Story

Even after her test results came back inconclusive, Sandy Spears knew she had lung cancer. Since 2015, Sandy has faced new obstacles, more tests, and ongoing treatment.

Survivor Text English

chemotherapy, immunotherapy, NSCLC, PD-L1, radiation, stage 4

A Stage 4 Lung Cancer Diagnosis: Patty’s Story

Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA) is deeply saddened by the passing of Patty Watkins in May 2024. A devoted mother, wife, and grandmother, she left an indelible mark on the lung cancer community through her unwavering determination and advocacy. Her story began in 2014 after leg pain sent Patty to the ER. She woke up from surgery and was told that she had Stage 4 Lung Cancer and just days to live.

Tribute Text English

clinical trials, diagnosis, metastasis, non-smoker, ROS1, stage 4

Matt Arensdorf and family. For Matt, a thoracic oncologist made all the difference when he was diagnosed with lung cancer.

A Lung Cancer Specialist Makes the Difference

Matt Arensdorf’s visit to the ophthalmologist began a life-changing week that ended in a lung cancer diagnosis. With the help of a thoracic oncologist, however, Matt has his disease under control.

Survivor Text English

ALK+, non-smoker, stage 4, targeted therapy

A Cough and Lung Cancer: Frank McKenna’s Story

Frank didn’t connect his bothersome cough and lung cancer. But his biomarker testing led to his WIN. Read more.

Survivor Text English

biomarker testing, EGFR, non-smoker, stage 4, targeted therapy

Persistent Symptoms of Pneumonia Lead to Lung Cancer Diagnosis: Karen Cunningham’s Story

Karen Cunningham, full-time teacher and mother, thought she only had pneumonia. But when the symptoms of pneumonia would not subside, additional tests revealed a more serious diagnosis: lung cancer.

Survivor Text English

ALK+, stage 4, targeted therapy

Getting a second opinion: Self-advocacy in the face of lung cancer

When Shelly was diagnosed with Stage 4 non small cell lung cancer, she was told that she had 6 months left to live. The mother of two was having none of it. Learn more about Shelly’s determination to advocate for herself and getting a second opinion during lung cancer treatment.

Survivor Text English

ALK+, chemotherapy, clinical trials, metastasis, NED, non-smoker, NSCLC, stage 4

Finding Her Voice After a Cancer Diagnosis | Marla Celeri’s Story

Emergency room case manager and nurse Marla Celeri knew something was wrong when her persistent cough and hoarse voice worsened. Listening to her gut saved her life – fighting adenocarcinoma lung cancer. Now Marla says,” I got my voice back and I plan to use it.”

Survivor Text English

adenocarcinoma, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, stage 4

No Evidence of Disease: Tiffany Fagnani’s Story

At the time of her lung cancer diagnosis, Tiffany was not only a nurse case manager, but also the primary caregiver to her younger brother, Joseph, who has Cerebral Palsy. Tiffany’s diagnosis meant a fight of her own.

Survivor Text English

adenocarcinoma, metastasis, NED, radiation, stage 4, targeted therapy

Fighting Lung Cancer with Life: Diane Spry’s Story

When diagnosed, Diane was just 30 years old, had never smoked, and had no history of lung cancer in her family. Thanks to ongoing advances in lung cancer research have enabled Diane to live a full life, marry, and be strong enough to embark on a new career.

Survivor Text English

chemotherapy, clinical trials, diagnosis, radiation, stage 4

Stage 4 lung cancer survivor with chemo: Virginia Purdy

Stage IV lung cancer survivor Virginia Purdy, using annual course of chemo to keep tumors from getting too large. Family and friends keep her laughing.

Survivor Text English

chemotherapy, non-smoker, stage 4, women