A Journey Begins with Understanding
When Colette Smith faced her Stage 1A adenocarcinoma diagnosis in 2015, she carried with her a powerful lesson from her husband’s recent prostate cancer journey. His words resonated deeply:
“Cancer is a lonely space. You may have a tribe, but the journey is yours…no one feels it but you.”
This insight ignited something extraordinary in Colette—a determination that would not only guide her through treatment but inspire her to become a beacon of hope for countless others in the lung cancer community.
The Power of Self-Advocacy
Colette’s path to diagnosis began with seemingly unrelated symptoms—persistent menstrual issues and upper back pain that led to the discovery of a rare pelvic arteriovenous malformation (AVM). But Colette’s instinct to dig deeper proved life-saving. When heart palpitations brought her to the emergency department and imaging revealed lung nodules, doctors suggested waiting six months for follow-up. Colette’s response? She scheduled an appointment with her primary care physician the very next day. This decisive action exemplified the self-advocacy that would define her entire journey. She asked her doctor,
“If I were your mother, sister, or wife, what would you recommend?”
A question that changed everything and led to her referral to a cardiac thoracic surgeon.
Finding the Right Team
Colette’s commitment to quality care meant not settling for the first surgeon she met. When something didn’t feel right, she trusted her instincts and sought alternatives. With support from Julie, a dear friend and fellow cancer survivor, Colette found a surgeon who not only possessed exceptional skill but also the patience to answer her “million questions.”
Even when a biopsy came back inconclusive, Colette took the extraordinary step of calling the pathologist directly. This bold move provided the clarity she needed to move forward confidently with surgery.
Recovery and Resilience
Following a successful lobectomy with no spread to lymph nodes, Colette navigated recovery with the same determination she brought to her diagnosis. She assembled a care team that included a pain specialist and negotiated a six-month leave with her employer, ensuring both physical healing and financial stability.
Today, Colette celebrates being NED (no evidence of disease) since her one-year post-operative scans, with her monitoring schedule now extended to annual check-ups—a testament to her successful treatment and ongoing vigilance.
Transforming Experience into Action
While many might consider their cancer journey complete after successful treatment, Colette saw an opportunity to create lasting change. Recognizing gaps in healthcare support, particularly around grief and coping tools for survivors who lose friends to cancer, she founded Healing the Bronx, a grassroots organization built on four powerful pillars:
H – Health outcomes
E – Education
A – Art
L – Love
Through community block parties and dedicated cancer awareness gardens, Colette and her volunteers are addressing health disparities in their community, focusing on colorectal, prostate, breast, and lung cancers. With support from the White Ribbon Project, they’re creating spaces where neighbors can learn, connect, and advocate for their health.
A Legacy of Hope
Today, Colette and her husband are thriving, surrounded by their five children and two grandchildren. Her story demonstrates that a lung cancer diagnosis, while challenging, can become a catalyst for positive change that extends far beyond individual survival.
Colette continues to chase scientific advances, undergo liquid biopsies, and stay informed about biomarker testing. These tools weren’t available during her initial diagnosis, but now offer hope to newly diagnosed patients. Her message to others facing lung cancer is clear: advocate fiercely, build your support network, and never underestimate the power of turning personal challenge into community strength.
Through Healing the Bronx and her ongoing advocacy, Colette Smith proves that survivorship isn’t just about beating cancer—it’s about using that victory to light the way for others.
I’m using my lungs to advocate
As a member of LCFA’s Speakers Bureau, I’m advocating for research and raising awareness through the media, embodying hope and action.
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