Guests/Speakers
Annabelle Gurwitch is an actress, activist, and acclaimed author of five books, including the New York Times bestseller “I See You Made an Effort” and her latest memoir “You’re Leaving When?” (2021). Named one of OncoDaily’s “100 Influential Women in Oncology” to follow in 2023, she has transformed her unexpected stage IV lung cancer diagnosis into powerful advocacy work. Beyond her creative achievements, including hosting Tiny Victories podcast, Annabelle brings her signature wit and candor to the lung cancer community, highlighting the critical need for research funding and awareness.
From COVID Test to Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Join host Mitch Jelniker as we revisit our most popular Hope With Answers episode featuring Annabelle Gurwitch – actress, author, and unexpected lung cancer advocate. What started as a routine COVID test in 2020 led to a shocking stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis for this never-smoker.
With her signature wit, Annabelle shares how her tumor (“the size of a Clementine”) changed everything. Despite being physically active and healthy except for a slight cough, she joined the growing number of never-smoker women facing lung cancer. Thanks to advances in targeted therapy for her EGFR mutation, Annabelle maintains an active life while advocating for crucial lung cancer research.
“I get to have the life I’m having right now because of the drugs that were developed in the last five years,” she says, highlighting how research funding directly impacts patient survival and quality of life.
Listen as Annabelle brings humor and hope to a serious subject, demonstrating why this episode resonates with so many in the lung cancer community.
