Colette Smith is a dynamic lung cancer survivor, patient advocate, and community health champion who transformed her 2015 Stage 1A adenocarcinoma diagnosis into a powerful platform for change. As a never-smoker diagnosed through persistent self-advocacy, Colette’s story resonates with diverse audiences seeking to understand the importance of patient empowerment and early detection.
Speaking Topics & Expertise
Patient Self-Advocacy: Teaching audiences how to navigate complex medical systems and advocate for timely, appropriate care
Early Detection in Non-Smokers: Challenging lung cancer stereotypes and raising awareness about risk factors beyond smoking
Healthcare Disparities: Addressing cancer outcomes in underserved communities through grassroots action
Building Support Networks: Creating sustainable community programs that address gaps in cancer care and survivorship
Navigating Treatment Decisions: The importance of second opinions and building the right medical team
Notable Achievements
- Founded Healing the Bronx, a grassroots organization focused on improving health outcomes through education, art, and community love
- Successfully advocated for her own care, including directly contacting pathologists and securing appropriate pain management
- Organizes community block parties addressing four major cancers (lung, breast, colorectal, prostate) with support from the White Ribbon Project
- Maintains ongoing engagement with lung cancer research, including biomarker testing and liquid biopsy monitoring
Colette brings a dual perspective as both a lung cancer survivor and caregiver to her husband during his prostate cancer journey. This experience provides her with deep insights into the emotional landscape of cancer, particularly the isolation survivors face and the grief of losing friends to the disease. Her approach combines personal resilience with practical action, making her an inspiring speaker for both patient and professional audiences.
Known for her direct, compassionate communication style that empowers audiences to take action, Colette skillfully weaves personal narrative with practical advice. Her story of persistence—from challenging a six-month wait for follow-up to founding a community organization—inspires others to become their own best advocates. Her presentations balance the serious nature of cancer with hope and determination, leaving audiences motivated to create positive change in their own lives and communities.
“Your diagnosis doesn’t define your impact. By transforming personal challenges into community action, we can create lasting change that extends far beyond our individual journeys.”
Colette Smith exemplifies how one person’s determination can spark a movement, making her an invaluable voice in the lung cancer community and a powerful advocate for health equity.
