Shared Stories

Carly H, MI

I am going to be honest, I struggled quite a bit with my father's lung cancer diagnosis. As a child I had begged him to quit smoking, especially when his own mother died from the disease.

Deborah D,

I have exercise induced asthma exacerbated by heat. I probably have asthma because my mom smoked her entire pregnancy.

Joanna A,

I am the mother of my son who has COPD and asthma. It's my great appreciation to participate in the LUNG FORCE Walk. My son and I are going to fight this horrible disease. Keep praying every day to get better. Thank you.

Allison H,

When I married my husband, his father had recently been diagnosed with lung cancer. He was the best man in our wedding, with no hair.

Shelly E,

I was diagnosed June 11, 2013 with stage four lung cancer. At the time I was (seemingly healthy) music teacher, wife and mother of two young children.

Shaneen M,

In September 2015 I was diagnosed with advanced lung disease. The doctors gave me several possible diagnoses such as sarcoidosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. I immediately began to research lung disease which is how I found this site. I joined

Chris B,

Even before Mom told me about being diagnosed with emphysema, things had been different for quite some time. She and dad had not made as many recent trips to see the family and I knew something was not right. She began talking about some pain she had

Cindy P,

My mother fell ill July of 2013 and shortly after, we learned she had pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer in the lungs.

Joann S,

Thirteen years ago I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I had a cough for a few months. So I went in for a test. It came back as adenocarcinoma of the left lung. I had the lower lobe removed.

Andrea S,

In September of 2014, my twin daughters were born 12 weeks early. They both spent many months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, fighting to grow and strengthen their lungs.

Roxanne R,

In January of 2015, at the age of 64, Rose Ann Alderete, my mother, was diagnosed with lung cancer. The cancer was found in the lining of her lungs and was detected at Stage 4. She had been experiencing pain in her back for a few weeks and went to th

Adriana F, AK

I was diagnosed with an adenocarcinoma in my right lower lung lobe at age 35 after having my daughter.

Christina G, MA

My story began in December 2019. I went to visit my 2 month old granddaughter in Arizona and at the time she was sick. 

Phuong H, NC

I remember the warm summer day sitting on my patio when my sister commented “Your life is pretty posh”. I laughed and thought to myself, she is right!

Terita M, MI

My mother, Theresa Ezekiel - Haley, was diagnosed with lung cancer in February of 2018.

Barry B, SC

My father died from lung cancer in June of 2013. Prior to his diagnosis, he was a strong, healthy and active man.

Carson S, VA

It has been a year. A year ago I received the call. My mom, with a shaky voice, told me that though she had been admitted to the hospital for what had looked like pneumonia, it was not in fact pneumonia.

Mike S, SC

My stage 4 lung cancer story starts in 2016.  After experiencing breathing spasms and tightness in my chest along with pain, I knew that it wasn’t my asthma bothering me. 

Sara G, IA

In 2019 I was 39, and looking forward to my 40th birthday.  I wanted it to be a healthy milestone, so I joined a kickboxing bootcamp.  By the end, I felt amazing but thought I had pulled a muscle in my chest.

Debbie H, IL

I am a Family Nurse Practitioner, diagnosed with NSIP for only two months and this has devastated my life in a short time period.

Kimberely S, TN

I used be former smoker but higher power told me to stop.

Ginger B, KY

My dad, Don Kunz, was one of a kind. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and friend.

John A, IL

In April 2013, an on the job injury to my left shoulder resulted in multiple X-rays, one showed a spot on my left lung.

Kate W, KS

My Lung Force story begins in the summer of 2015. 

Melisa P, VA

I’m 46 years old and have had asthma all my life.

Brian B,

When Brian Bowman wakes up each morning and starts his day, the sky looks bluer, the flowers smell sweeter and his love for life and his family is so much more precious.

Lida Z, TX

Stage IV Lung Cancer – a frightening diagnosis, and a shocking one, too, for a non-smoker.

Leah P, KY

On December 18, 2019 I was diagnosed with Stage IV Lung Cancer EGFR Exon 19 deletion with mets to my spine and pelvis.

Tom M, MN

I was diagnosed with IPF in 2019 and have been wearing oxygen for a little over a year now.

Karen B, GA

My lung cancer journey started November 2007 during my annual physical.

Joseph M, FL

2021 will mark 15 years since my father, Vito Salvatore Mannino, succumbed to lung cancer.

Leann F, NJ

My personal lung cancer story is not just about me. It is about the impact lung cancer has had on my immediate family.

Jim P, MI

My wife was six and a half months pregnant on the day my lung cancer was diagnosed. We were not prepared for that diagnosis, and, given that it was made by a rheumatologist, it really came out of left field!

Valerie D, HI

In the summer of 2012, my sister Eleanor Grace (who had relocated to California) came home to Hawai’i for a visit. During this time she spoke of a nagging cough she had “for a while and can’t seem to get rid of it.”

Aaron H, TN

It was Halloween 2019, I had a biopsy a couple weeks ago and wasn’t worried about the results until my doctor called and said the sentence that is tattooed in my brain.

Alan T, WV

As a Dual Citizen of Canada, an engineer whose entire career has been focused upon eliminating air pollution and addressing the Anthropogenic Climate Change Crisis, I have lived with an asthma condition ever since moving to West Virginia.

Brenda B, KY

My mother died from pulmonary fibrosis in 2008. She was diagnosed and given five years but she lived eight.

Steph L, IA

I was 33 years old in the month of May, 2012. At the end of the month, I became ill with symptoms of a sinus infection, high fevers, and a cough.

Heidi B, IN

I was sitting in my accounting office in July 2012. My Mom called my office and asked me to come over right away but to not bring my son. I had a feeling that a serious situation was unfolding but had no idea what she would have to tell me.

Sura A, IL

This is the story of my father with COPD.

Anne S, AR

My husband Bill and I were together 35 years before stage IV lung cancer took his life in 2015. He was diagnosed in August and was gone a few days after his 74th birthday on Oct. 28.

Kevin D, CO

Hi my name is Kevin Douglas I have a Twitch channel called TheRaspyShow. I talk about my respiratory issues.

Martha A, RI

My name is Martha Ahmed. I was diagnosed with Stage IV Non Small Cell Lung Cancer in February 2018.

Peggy J, AZ

November is Lung Cancer @lungassociation Awareness month and also my one-year anniversary as a Lung Cancer Survivor.

Mia S, IL

My initial symptoms began in 2019 with overwhelming fatigue, back and leg pain. My primary doctor recommended that I do stretching exercises and gave me pain medicine.

Vicky B, IN

The air was tested in my home that I rent and it is nine times higher than normal.

David B, MA

My story is all too similar with many you will read. My mother passed away after battling lung cancer for the greater part of a decade.

Mandi P, OK

In December of 2019 I was diagnosed with bronchitis.

Sharon L, OK

I am a US Navy wife, the mother of two wonderful men, and the grandmother of an adorable grandson. I was a heavy smoker until I quit in 2011. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-small cell adenocarcinoma in 2015.

Jennifer W, MO

My mother died Christmas Morning 2002 at the age of 65 from lung cancer.

Tiffany K, IL

Asthma has impacted my life greatly. I went from running around in corn fields in MS to working in a populated area like Chicago and that's when the problems started.

Amy S, CO

For 30 years as a teacher, I watched more and more of my students begin to require the use of inhalers until my retirement in 2011.

Jimmy S, CA

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who have high-deductible health insurance plans may be more likely to avoid essential care due to costs compared to those who have low- or no-deductible plans.

Bruce K, WI

The biggest threat to children’s health is destabilization of Earth’s climate.

Lauren E, ID

When I was in eighth grade I came home one day from school and walked into my family room. My mom and dad sat there in front of me with their heads hanging low, barley making eye contact with my brother and I.

Gregory K, NV

I worked over 30 years in manufacturing, supporting the aerospace & defense industries. When I retired, I lost my medical and dental benefits.

Jay C, WA

It's coming up on eight years now (March 27, 2013) since I lost my wife and Nelson lost his loving mother, Patricia Leonard.

Laura B, WA

Imagine you are a nonsmoker who has just retired and planning on enjoying your new life across the country and you discover you have stage 4 lung cancer!

Marlo P, CA

March 2021 will mark the 7 year anniversary of my diagnosis date for stage 4 non small cell lung cancer.

Karen P, VA

On April 8, 2020, at 12:37 a.m. my life forever changed. My beloved father, Richard Cox, took his last breath surrounded by his loving family.

Pat L, PA

Imagine being in Iceland, flying 30,000 feet in the air on sight line for the lunar eclipse! What a wonderful expedition! It was only marred by a persistent cough.

Claudia H, OR

I have been asked to share my story with you. I begins in 2004 when I heard those dreadful words, “you have cancer”. This shook me to my core. I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Danielle G, ME

My name is Danielle George and I became involved with LUNG FORCE back in 2019 when Amy Richard, one of my best friends and colleagues, was diagnosed with Stage IV lung caner.

Irisaida M, FL

I’m a stage IV cancer patient. I fight to live, but every day I also fight to breathe.

Heather L, MD

My name is Heather Lohmann and the story I am about to share is not my own but sadly has become mine to tell. This story is about my mother. My Mom's name is Christine Dunn and she lost her battle to lung cancer on July 8, 2019.

Amanda C, DE

I lost my father to stage four lung cancer just ten days after he was diagnosed. We watched as he rapidly withered away, cough by cough. In just 240 hours, he was gone.

Lisa C, CA

I live in a Section 8 affordable living apartment building in Fullerton, California. I am disabled and live alone with my beloved companion chihuahua.

David B, WV

After 17 years of marriage to the most wonderful lady I had ever met Marjorie was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Ashley R, NM

After enduring bouts of pneumonia and other debilitating respiratory issues, I was finally diagnosed in 2013, at the age of 32, with a pulmonary neuroendocrine tumor (NET).

Marie S, KY

In 2019 was diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer stage 3! I was shocked because I had not had any symptoms to complain about.

Patricia W, KY

Hello! My name is Pati, and this is my lung cancer story. First of all, I am a mom, a grandma, an art teacher, an artist, a dancer, a runner, a lover of life.

Jennifer T, OH

I have asthma and am a school nurse. Asthma is the number on chronic disease that causes school absenteeism.

Louis C, PA

Hi, my name is Louis V. Cesarini. I am a stage 4, non-small cell lung cancer patient. I've recently published a book; Survival Symphony which chronicles the first year of my lung cancer journey.

Sherryl L, AZ

My son, Christopher LaGrone died of high-altitude sickness in Cusco, Peru in December, 2018. He was asthmatic since the age of 2. He died at age 41.

Janet S, PA

My husband and I live in Elizabeth Township, pa. The CLAIRTON MILL blows across our area, and all of the surrounding areas.

Janet W, ME

I've had asthma for 51 years. For the last 2 years I've been living in an apartment owned and operated by a shelter that's HUD funded.

Gwendolyn W, IL

I am living in low income housing with a disability and I am a single parent. It seems no one who runs our building has any concern about creating a healthy environment.

Luciana L, MA

As a health care advocate, smoking should be banned from the inside environment of every building.

Jade G, WI

Hello everyone, my name is Jade Gaertner, I'm a healthy 30 years old woman who is affected by poor air quality; from both indoor and outdoor reasons.

Lindsay T, KY

I have been living with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension for over 13 years. I was diagnosed at the age of 23 and have spent the majority of my adult life unable to walk up a flight of stairs without needing to stop and catch my breath.

Bryan L, CA

On calm, clear winter nights, our town fills with blue smoke from woodstoves and fireplaces. My eyes burn, head aches and I awake with severe congestion. Some years this happens a few times, but this past year it happened for two months straight.

Julia T, ID

I was diagnosed with Stage 4A NSCLC in August 2019.

Angela W, CA

Climate change is real, it is now. As a mother and pulmonologist, I see the myriad ways through which climate change corrodes the health of not just my patients, but my family, friends, neighbors and community.

Praveen B, CA

Cleaner fuels will help my patients breathe easier. We have no control over the air we breathe, but we do have a say in what pollutes it.

Sharon C, CA

All communities deserve a healthy climate. Air pollution has detrimental effects on fetal development, sends people to the hospital for respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, and worsens asthma and COPD.

Laren T, CA

As a pulmonologist, I've witnessed firsthand the effects of climate change and poor air quality on my patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Taking a stand to reduce climate pollution is what our children and patients deserve.

Gary P, CA

The wildfires are a wake-up call. The devastating wildfires in our communities served as a wake-up call. The unfolding climate crisis is impacting human health now and will become even more of a factor in the future.

Hassan B, CA

We know that even when people improve their health by kicking smoking and exercising more, air pollution can slow that progress, and lead to more pulmonary and cardiovascular consequences.

Michael O, CA

Healthy solutions will help California achieve smog and soot goals.

Penny B, CA

As a health officer with the San Luis Obispo Public Health Department, I view climate change as an urgent health issue

Cindy R, CA

To do so we need to extract ourselves from the use of oil, gas and coal, implementing cradle to cradle clean energy systems in concert with conservation measures.

Anthony D, TN

As a 30-year volunteer of the American Lung Association, including former chairman of the nationwide organization, I understand the threats of air pollution on lung health and the devastating impacts of lung disease on our families and communities.

Robert B, MT

Air pollution endangers our patients’ health. Air pollution endangers our patients' health and contributes to approximately 107,000 premature deaths every year in the United States alone.

Josephine M, KY

Clean air cannot be taken for granted. The quality of the air we breathe is critical to everyone's health, but in particular, to persons with respiratory and cardiac limitations and to children, who have developing lungs.

Therese S, MI

Clean air is essential to all of us. I fight for clean air and climate action because I lost my mom to lung cancer in 1986.

Peggy Ann B, OH

Make the change toward a healthier environment. The reality is that breathing is becoming more difficult for many older adults and children with asthma because of climate change.

Sonal R. P, CA

I owe it to my children to fight for climate health. With asthma, you wheeze, your chest tightens, you cough and are short of breath.

Sunil K. S, CA

Clean air is the right of every individual. As a specialist in treating childhood asthma, I see first-hand the effects that pollution has on the health of our most vulnerable population - children.

David Tom C, CA

Fighting for a healthy climate. Too many of our patients surviving lung diseases are being sickened by air pollution.

Marc F, CA

Climate action is the best medicine. As an emergency physician, I see the profound effect climate change will have on our lives.

Mary Anne T, CA

Strong clean air leadership will help my patients breathe easier. As a pediatric pulmonary specialist, I support policies that will help improve air quality.

Afif E, CA

Cutting emissions today means healthier children tomorrow. Like air pollution, climate change impacts vulnerable populations the most, including our children.

Catherine Sonquist F, CA

Fighting climate change is crucial primary care medicine. Climate health is crucial for public health. Science continues to demonstrate that we must join together with the rest of the world to slow climate change.

Bruce B, CA

We must act decisively, and now. The food patients eat, the water they drink, and the air they breathe are all crucial for their well-being.

Linda R,

We know what we need to do to chart a new course to prevent catastrophic climate change: stop burning coal, oil, and gas, as quickly as possible. But time is short.

David P, CA

The patient - our planet - has a fever. In addition to increased temperatures, the acid level in the oceans has increased 0.15 units in the last 100 years.

Robert M. G, CA

We must act urgently to halt global warming. We need to act urgently to halt the worsening course of global warming.

Bruce K, WI

Climate Change is a Health Emergency: One of the biggest threats to children’s health is destabilization of Earth’s climate.

Carol Z, TN

My patients bear a greater burden from the health harms of climate change and air pollution. Climate change and air pollution disproportionately impact my patients.

Ying , TN

Climate change harms health.

John S. Y, AK

Preserve and protect our clean air. We all depend upon the air we breathe for life.

Christine A. H, TN

I strongly urge a united front on climate change. Climate change poses serious threats to the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat.

Randolph J. L, WI

We must not underestimate the need for clean air. As a physician, I see how the climate and air quality affects my patients with lung disease, every day.

Erika Maria M, OR

Climate change is (quite literally) sickening. As a lung and ICU doctor, my patients’ health is threatened by unhealthy air and climate change, and now COVID-19.

Glenn R. S, FL

Right now, the air we breathe is in crisis. Health care professionals have a responsibility to help diagnose and treat patients, and to help the community at large when there is a crisis.

David H, CT

Climate change is a public health emergency. Climate change is a public health emergency, and poses a dire threat to lung health.

Mallory H, TN

Let’s all work to promote clean air. It is my role as an educator and respiratory practitioner to teach students and patients about the importance of monitoring the air quality reports.

Jessie W, OR

We must unite together to protect our patients. As I walk among the towering trees, listening quietly, breathing deep the moist air, I am reminded of the interconnected web of life.

Bernadette Mae , NV

We are all in this together. Human health is linked to the environment. As a nurse epidemiologist, I see the mounting evidence of the association between air pollution, accelerated climate change, and adverse health effects.

Juanita M, IL

We must support action on climate change to protect Latino community.

Amanda M, CA

The climate crisis is a health crisis, specifically for our kids. The climate crisis is here and it is harming our health and the health of our children.

Ashley E. M, CA

Clean air policies are healthy climate policies. As a primary care doctor, I have taken an oath to prevent sickness and to protect human health and safety.

Joan P,

I was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy about 10 years ago - and another name for this heart/lung disease is Congestive Heart Failure. Currently, during the COVID- 19 outbreak, I have had mild symptoms which subsided after about 2 days.

Evelyn P, MA

I have been going through a difficult time, a time of trials, grief, despair and sadness. The coronavirus is still raging and even spiking in some states.

Charlotte T, MD

I am a coronavirus survivor. Thank you Lord.

Dorothy H, NJ

My story is about the coronavirus. I do not know how or where to get testing here in Monmouth County, NJ.

Shanna J, IL

In November, 2020 my partner and I elected to skip my family's Thanksgiving celebration due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases. My mom was sad, but said she understood. 

Kathleen S, WI

On May 22, Local 494 will sponsor a team to climb the steps, safely outdoors, at Milwaukee’s American Family Field. This event is a fundraiser to support the American Lung Association.

Brennah R, OR

I'm Brennah and I am a current Oregon Kid Governor Cabinet member. My platform is Air Pollution.

Diane G, RI

In April 2010, my husband Bob was diagnosed with stage for non-small cell lung cancer.

Debra C, TX

I was diagnosed with COPD over 10 years ago. Now in 2021 my symptoms have gotten worse, as my doctor said they would.

Dianna L, IN

This is about my severe asthma and moderate COPD. Next month I will have my annual breathing test and let the pulmonologist tell me what stage I am in. I haven't smoked cigarettes in 10 years!

Shannon P, TX

I had two confirmed mild cases of COVID-19 over a six month (6/5/20 and 12/26/21) period. Two weeks after I recovered from the first episode I began having constant shortness of breath, dry cough and chest tightness.

James A, NY

Air quality has made it hard to breathe and so we all must do something to change it so that asthma and all lung problems can be a thing of the past.

Kat S, CA

My father died of lung cancer in 2019. Recently I was at an appointment with my cardiologist, who also treated my father while he was alive.

Caliel C, OH

I have had COVID-19 since June 14. I’m currently in the hospital with pneumonia.

Saptarshi B, NY

I tested positive for COVID-19 on April 2021 and was admitted to hospital on May 7th due to shortness of breath.

Shanay P, NV

I'm a 40 year old woman who has never been sick and tries very hard to stay healthy. After getting COVID-19 I realized that mental and emotional health are just as important.

Suzan S, OR

I got COVID-19 from my son when we went to visit our first granddaughter after my husband's massive heart attack.

Marie G, CO

I got COVID-19 in April 2020 and continue to struggle with post COVID-19 health conditions.

Adrian N, FL

I have pneumonia brought on by COVID-19. I am a 40-year-old man in great shape. Blood work was perfect a week before. Itching started in chest and lungs then flu like symptoms set in. The flu like symptoms lasted six days then the pneumonia set in.

John B, FL

My wife and I contracted COVID-19 at our class reunion. I got the vaccine and was only mildly sick for a couple days.

Vicki C, NJ

I have mild COPD from many years of smoking. I quit in 2008 but experienced shortness of breath prior to contracting COVID-19 in March.

Patsy M, CO

My son developed COVID-19 in Texas, as a pharmacist.

Ken T, TN

July 15, for the third time, my wife Deb went to the emergency room complaining about asthma. She was vaccinated for COVID-19, her second shot was March 2021.

Sharonne L, OH

My nickname as a child was Ms. Lungs. Why you may ask? My voice roared like a lion when I would yell. I also would try to sing, still do on occasion, like Chaka Khan or Aretha Franklin. Those were the good ol' days.

Melissa M, NY

My two babies, son and I contracted the delta variant of COVID-19.

Crystal R, NV

Unfortunately, lung disease is no stranger to our family. My grandfather was a musical legend. At least, our family believed so. He played any and every instrument from violin and guitar, to his most known specialty, the piano.

Hope T, MS

My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. It's metastatic.

Lori B, PA

My sister-in-law Gwen G. was diagnosed with lung cancer at age 58. By 59 she had lost her battle, but not before putting up a great fight.

Cortney B, CO

On January 22, 2021 my mother was admitted to the hospital, while at my sisters house in Florida, with pneumonia and a collapsed lung. 

Tonya J, SC

I just recently (May 13, 2021)  loss my only child to severe asthma. The grief I carry everyday is unexplainable yet I have the renewed strength to type this story to you all.

Anthony M, CA

My COVID-19 story: First and foremost, thank you to my wife Lisa Mendoza for taking care of me.

Shirley T, WI

Hello everyone. My name is Shirley and I was recently diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer and I am in complete shock.

Jessie H, TX

I grew up living by a military runway and we were under the flight path. I'd look up when the 747 flew over my head and see the bottom of the plane.

Bobbie B, VA

My dad was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer May 10, 2021, and I remember the heartbreak as I heard those words even though deep down in my gut I already knew he had some type of metastatic disease.

Kolleen P, FL

I was young, healthy and working out at gym working everyday. Then I got COVID-induced double pneumonia in July and I had to stay in the hospital for three months.

Rick H, OH

We have a redevelopment project going on very near our home on the west side of Cleveland, OH.

Jim W, OH

It was sometime in early 2016 when I was diagnosed with lung cancer. Oddly I don’t remember the exact date. Early that year, while getting tests for a separate health issue my doctors noticed spots in my lungs and referred me to a pulmonologist.

Judy R, IA

I have pulmonary fibrosis. I first became aware of a problem when I was 22 -years-old. I woke up one morning with horrible pain in my upper back.

Jennifer S, PA

My neighbors burn straight coal in their wood burners, my mom lives next door and has COPD. 

Cheryl C, IL

On June 28, 2020 after a routine CT with contrast I was notified that I had Stage III lung cancer. My world came crashing down once again.

Michelle M, NY

My name is Michelle McMahon and I am a lung cancer survivor. 

Cristina M, MA

Hi, my name is Cristina Menezes and my story is about my sweet dad, Juan Rodrigues. 

Shai G, CA

My mom had COPD, asthma, MS, and muscle issues at the early age of her early thirties.

Anne W, NH

In February, 2021, I had a routine chest X-ray before my scheduled spinal fusion surgery. It showed a mass and a CT confirmed non-small cell lung cancer. A brain MRI confirmed that there were also spots on my brain.

Tripp A, TX

Me and a couple other fourth grade students are creating a presentation and board game against smoking we want to let people know how much smoking can affect your life ranging from health to climate change.

Elinore S, NY

My cancer (squamos cell) was discovered by a routine X-ray on December 6, 1983. I consequently went through surgery four days later.

Geri D, PA

I was scheduled for a lung screening that was cancelled in Spring 2020 because of COVID-19.

Theresa C, MA

I had IPF in 2017. I had to have lots of tests in 2018. I was then placed on the transplant list for 13 months.

Laurie S, CA

I had been a smoker for 30 years, a non-smoker for 20 years, and was always aware that lung cancer was still a possibility.

Sharon W, NM

In 2018 at my yearly visit to my doctor it was suggested to me that I get a chest X-ray since I had been a smoker for a long time.

Dian O, CT

Hi! My name is Dian and I am a lung cancer survivor thanks to a low-dose CT scan.

Wendy S, OK

Nine years have passed since my sister and best friend, Nikki, passed away from metastasized lung cancer. She was diagnosed with Carcinosarcoma, so rare that MD Anderson did not have a team for this type of cancer.

Edward W, OK

I first want to thank God for the opportunity to share my story. In July 2020, a CT-SCAN revealed a nodule on the upper right lobe of my lung.

Roy W, MO

My lung cancer story started nine years ago. I had been treated for an upper respiratory infection and most of it had cleared up except for a persistent cough.

Earnestine B, MO

Broken….In many ways this word describes how I feel about myself.  I was diagnosed with Scleroderma 20 years ago,

Deborah S, GA

I thought I was healthy.

Steven S, MN

In the fall of 2019, while we were cleaning out her parent’s house to get it ready to sell, Joan had developed a dry cough.

Jennifer K, WI

Cancer - the one word you never want to hear. That one word that does not discriminate no matter who you are. 

Jennifer M, NV

In Nevada, where my boyfriend and I live, we don't have as many non-smoking rights as some other states, and people of course are allowed to smoke in casinos, and some multi-unit condos.

Neetu B, IN

My father was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis on April 19, 2021.

Carla P, TX

I was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018, just two months after I gave up cigarettes for good. 

Joan Y, CT

My story starts as a young adult (I'm 64 right now). I was spray painter for 25 years and was exposed to many carcinogens. I also smoked cigarettes but quit after I had my only child. 

Joann L, NY

I have both asthma and COPD. I worked as a nurse and a few other her job types, my own business. I

Delaram C, VA

I was never a smoker but I was told I had six months to live when I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer at the age of 44. I am a single-mom. My daughters were in first and third grades. 

Jan R, WA

My husband Lyle was my best friend and much beloved by his family and friends. We nicknamed him The Lyle because he seemed capable of just about anything.

Heidi N, CO

Being a lifelong health enthusiast, health educator, and fitness trainer, married to a primary care physician, my family and I were shocked when I was diagnosed with inoperable Stage IIIA lung cancer at the age of 55 in Oct. of 2018. 

Anna H, SC

In February 2021 I was diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer. I had been having abdominal pain throughout 2020 and went to my primary care doctor.

Jennifer P, NH

Each year, more people die of lung cancer than colon, breast and prostate cancer combined, yet it receives the least amount of federal funding than any other cancer.

Gail O, IA

I’ve never smoked, so I knew I’d never get lung cancer.

Chastity H, KY

I was born and raised in Kentucky where I currently live with my husband and our three children. Never in a million years would I have believed I could get lung cancer because there is no history of the disease in my family and I have never smoked.

Valerie V, OR

"Valerie, you have lung cancer."  These words came through the phone, from the pulmonologist I had met with recently, and hit me like a ton of bricks.

David B, IL

After hearing my wife, Carol’s horrible cough for months on end, and watching her exhausted after bouts of coughing, I was sure if I never heard another cough again it would be fine.

Maria S, IA

As a 62 year old Nurse Practitioner, and being in healthcare for the past 40+ years, I was (I thought) in good health - no prescription medicine, exercising regularly and I ate a healthy diet.

James S, CA

Hello my name is James. I started to work early in life and I try to enjoy it.

Leslie M, CA

When I was born in 1945, and as I grew up in the 1950’s and 1960’s, I just assumed that everyone smoked. My four grandparents and my parents were smokers so it just seemed natural for me to start smoking too.

Chelsea C, CA

Today is my lungaversary! A year ago today I underwent surgery to remove a tumor in the upper lobe of my right lung.

Edward D, SC

Mayo Clinic removed my left thyroid and a section of my thymus in 2017. Positive for neuroendocrine carcinoma.

Tammie M, LA

In October of 2018, I began struggling with what I thought was an upper respiratory infection. After multiple trips to urgent care, I was told they could no longer treat me.

Matthew K, PA

When I was little, I was diagnosed with a cancer known as fibrosarcoma. With this cancer, the tumor was resting over my right lung.

Donna L, NJ

My family is no stranger to lung disease. My father developed occupational-related exposure asthma when he was in his 40's.

Meghan L, PA

I have been suffering with undiagnosed breathing problems probably all my life, but I did not start getting help until fall of 2020 at Penn Medicine following an employer annual physical.

Barbara T, AK

I was busy getting ready to retire and I did not see a cancer diagnosis as part of my future. But, there it was.

Gina-Marie W, TN

If it wasn’t for the commercial, "If You’re a Smoker Get Scanned," my mom wouldn’t be here today.

Denise C, MI

There was no reason to think the doctor was wrong when they told me I might survive 10-15 months with my newly diagnosed stage 4 lung adenocarcinoma.

Linda S, HI

I began smoking when I was in the military. I was never a heavy smoker and after I married at the age of 23, while pregnant, I gave up the bad habit and when my child turned two, I started up again.

Lisa F, NE

My hero has always been my dad. From an early age my dad gently pushed me to be confident, to try new things and finally to always persevere when things get tough.

Madeline H, NC

I vividly remember my brother-in-law letting me know he was waiting at my sorority house. I thought we were just going out to lunch. I had no clue my life was about to change forever.

Violet L, FL

My name is Violet Lowrey and I am the Director of Student Service at Keiser University Fort Lauderdale. I've signed up to be a part of the LUNG FORCE initiative to make a difference in the lives of people impacted by lung disease. 

Amy B, VT

Because my parents smoked when I was a child (my mother managed to quit when I was at UVM) and because no other single issue could prevent more death and disease, my career in Public Health has led me to my focus on tobacco control.

Rebecca H, ID

Lung disease has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.

Ralph W, ME

The 10th Anniversary of My Second Craniotomy By Ralph W.

Isabella C, NJ

On my fourteenth birthday, a family friend gifted me a “learn how to knit” set.

Tanya O, MO

On March 17th 2021 my husband passed away of lung cancer he never smoked a day in his life!!

Frank L, MI

I had the screening and it found I had stage 1a non-small cell lung cancer.

Eva Marie F,

I smoked for over 15 years. I started when I was around 8 years old, but didn't seriously start smoking until I was in my 20s, smoking up to 2 packs a day.

Frank F,

I made a promise with my daughter that if I quit smoking she would stop biting her nails. A few years later, I quit. I learned about the low-dose CT scan while signing up for a golf tournament.

Pamela B,

My name is Pamela. I'm a cancer survivor three times. In 2013, I had breast cancer. They found it early enough, it was stage 1.

G G, AL

Air pollution is a serious health threat.

Carl H, SC

My name is Carl Heltzel and I am a PhD chemist, writer, and author. About 13 years ago, I was helping my mother in her garden when she had pain in her chest.

Carley A, OH

After months of misdiagnoses, in September of 2018, my family heard two of the most dreaded words; “It’s cancer.”

Regina B, RI

I started smoking at 17 and smoked for the next 18 years. I quit in April 2007, at the request of my 12 year old daughter.

Tammy D, IL

I want to share that I lost my dad on February 3, 2021 to lung cancer, stage IV, metastasized. He was 82 years old. 

Alli P, MN

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Bill D, NC

Happy Earth Day 2022: I was born with asthma so my parents quit smoking cigarettes. Air pollution growing up in D.C. area in the 1960's as well as allergies triggered many severe, almost fatal asthma attacks.

Janet K, NY

For the past seven months the Army Corps of Engineers, as part of a groin/jetty project in the Rockaways, has put a staging site within 50 feet of my condominium on Beach 116th Street beach area which has 93 apartments.

S W, NY

In the northern part of Staten Island, north of the expressway, the terrace to the ferry, we are regularly, depending on the direction of the wind, hit with a noxious chemical smell, which causes chest issues, nausea, and headaches.

Patricia D, NY

For several years, my husband and I have attempted - without success - to obtain assistance in rectifying what has become a serious concern in our small city: pollution from wood-burning backyard firepits. 

Cynthia W, CO

I was diagnosed in 2010 with COPD. In the past twelve years the air quality around me has impacted the progression of my situation incredibly often.

Alexandra S, NM

I was diagnosed with Valley Fever in 2014 and battled it for many years. On October 15, 2021 I entered the hospital with an almost completely collapsed lung.

Jace S, CO

While working I was called and told news that forever changed me. "Jace, Raroo (grandma) has severe COPD and was given six months to two years left to live."

Brandon C, OH

I smoked for many years when I was younger and completely understand the difficulty associated with moving on from something as addictive as smoking.

Lisamarie S, NY

This is my mom, Milta. This picture was taken in April after a two month stay in the hospital. 

Mike E, IL

Gary A, CA

One of my big disappointments is the EPA's reduction in the number of air quality monitors.  I live about 50 miles from Bakersfield in the Kern River Valley. 

Chanel V, PA

My oldest daughter Isis, 17, was the most pure hearted person you could ever meet. She was taken from us recently due to asthma.

Sydney S, KY

My interest in the LUNG FORCE and lung health found me when my grandfather died from lung cancer when I was 10.

Lisa D, NV

I am a 47-year-old female living in Las Vegas. In Aug 2021, my primary doctor discovered a mass in my right lung via chest X-ray.

Queenie B, CA

I lost both of my parents and my brother to the same type of lung cancer.

Michelle C, WI

Ever since a weatherization program had completed energy efficiency updates to my home, strange things started to occur.

Ellen A, CO

I was shot in my torso and arm some 29 years ago. One of the bullets went through my lung.

Kaden C, CA

In the summer of 2021, in the midst of recovering from an entire year and a quarter of distance/ virtual learning through freshmen year of high school, I suffered a sudden, primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Erin G, TX

Over the course of 2017, my sister and best friend, Meghan, was diagnosed with three serious ailments in succession: an autoimmune disease, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and a rare and aggressive lung disease (bronchiolitis obliterans).

Eric W, FL

I was in my mid 40's, a practicing primary care physician for both children and adults, a husband, and father of two - the prime of my life.

Debbi B, MS

I had my entire right lung removed because of lung cancer and had 28 radiation treatments on my esophagus so it didn’t cross over to my left lung.

Hazel C, OH

On January 12, 2022, I went outside and inhaled the cold air in Ohio. I had a cough. Not a normal cough, but a bronchial cough. I know it all to well. I suffer from bronchitis most of my life.

Stephanie T, CA

I'm advocating for better lung health and cleaner air because I have been diagnosed with asthma and COPD and I had a grandma who died from complications from COPD.

Angela Y, GA

My story is about how lung cancer affected my mother’s life.

Randette J, CA

By the grace of God, my mother Diane Baker, age 72 went to her doctor for a routine physical. The attending doctor was a physician's assistant who noticed my mother hadn't had a chest X-ray in years and felt they should go ahead an take one. 

Heidie N, MS

I was diagnostic with COPD in April of 2018,

Tracy G, OH

The picture of health, active, health conscious and all natural were all words used to describe Tracy.

Erica T, CT

I worked at a local hospital and contracted COVID-19 from a patient. I thought it would be a mild infection since I was a healthy active woman.

Laverne C, CT

MUCINOUS ADENOCARCINOMA; this was the lung cancer type that I had.

Bob B, KS

I was told I had smoldering multiple myeloma years ago. I have been tested every six months since, the progress stays the same.

Barbara W, AL

My husband just passed on July 1st 2022, 18 days before my 73rd birthday.

Jose A, CA

My name is Jose Armas, I'm a 64-year young Latino male to recently went through a bi-lateral lung transplant. I was diagnosed with IPF. At my worst, I was at a lung function of 42%. My last spirometry came in a 131%—WOW. 

Nancy L, ID

To paraphrase Lou Gehrig, “I must be the luckiest woman in the world!” Why? It was because something that could kill me was discovered by accident and treated early.

Catherine S, SC

I am a never smoker who was diagnosed with Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of my left lung in May of 2020.

Chloe V, MI

Today is the first day of November. So I decided that today I am going to talk about why November is and should be so important to everyone.

Ted J, IL

I was hospitalized in 2015 for being unable to walk for more than a few feet without having to stop and catch my breath. I was immediately placed in the cardiac critical care ward with a heart monitor attached 24/7 for 8 days.

Hannah R, MI

Hello, my name is Hannah and on August 16th 2021, I lost my mother, Diane Michele Reister, to lung cancer.

Erin G, TX

ashley C, AL

Amanda H, WV

Barbara J, CA

Anastasia E,

Through secondhand smoking, I got chronic asthma. All 3 kids had numerous mysterious ear bleeds, which were attributed to secondhand smoking later on. My dad finally quit. But, he coughed up blood on our white kitchen sink one night. Months later, he

Rose G, MA

For more than 20 years, my husband Alan has participated in the Autumn Escape Bike Trek, the American Lung Association’s three-day cycling fundraiser that begins in Plymouth, MA and ends in Cape Cod.

Jimmy S, CA

Sherri R, NY

My mother has had COPD for many years (is from the generation that smoked before anybody knew about the damage it could cause) and I thank with all my heart the Lung Association and LUNG FORCE for all of the research that has been done and continues

Jodi P, ID

Married to husband Dennis in 1987, 30 years ago, mother of two children, Kristi, 28 and Joey, 26, grandmother of two, registered nurse of 38 years, non-smoker.

Roberta T, FL

In July 2016, I went to my primary physician for a check up. He knows I've been a smoker for 30+ years. He told me about the CT scan and asked if I would be willing to go. I said, "Sure, would rather go and if anything is there at least hopefully we

Samantha M, GA

I was diagnosed in 2012 with stage 4 NSCLC. It wasn’t a month after my 33rd birthday and I was a single mom doing well when my world was turned upside down. The lung cancer had spread to my brain prompting an emergency craniotomy. I never thought I c

Beverly D, AZ

I am a 3-year Lung Cancer Survivor. Never smoked. My Lung Cancer was found "accidentally" during tests for a TIA Stroke. I am one of the lucky ones, my Cancer was found so early, almost unheard of.

Douglas A, CO

17 years ago I was undergoing diagnosis and in late November (the day after Thanksgiving) 2001 I was diagnosed with SMALL CELL lung cancer at the trachea in the right lung. A week or so later it was found in the brain in three spots so it became 4th

Sarah P, FL

A spot showed up on a CT scan on a fatty cist on my shoulder. My docotor ordered a CT of my left lung. It showed crushed glass. We waited three months and I had another CT scan. It remained the same. We waited another three months and there was a cha

Lisa K, NM

The phone rang. I looked over to see who was calling, it was Dad. Kind of late for him to be calling. Kind of strange for me not to answer. I stared at my phone that night late in the dark but I didn't answer and I didn't call him back. I never avoid

Su W, VA

I never thought I would be a lung cancer patient having never smoked and done all the "right" things to be healthy and live a long life. So you can imagine the shock of hearing "you have stage IV lung cancer" three years ago.

Nancy D, VA

It always happens to someone else...until it happens to you. Besides, my doctor had said I could wait TWO years now between physicals...”picture of health”! Never a smoker...a “young” and active 64 year old... Then, on the morning of Tuesday, Februar

Renee D, KS

I was experiencing symptoms that neither my doctors nor I would associate with lung cancer.

Michele B, OH

I was diagnosed with NSCLC, Squamos, Stage 1B in October of 2017. You cant attach the word fortunate to the biggest cancer killer, but I am one of only 15% to be diagnosed that early in the disease. This is because of a simple scan that takes only 5

ShayDarian S, AR

When I was 11 years old I was in the hospital with a spinal infection. Around the same time my mom found out she had breast cancer. She successfully fought and beat the battle, and stayed in remission for five years, thanks to the great research done

Elaine N, SC

Six years later, I am still finding it hard to put into words the affect that lung cancer has had on my family. As I write this, tears are streaming down face, because I wish for no person to ever have to go through what my family and I endured. My f

Lynne F, IL

On a med check my MD asked how my breathing was. It wasn't great - he suggested I see a pulmonologist who ordered a CT scan. There was a small nodal in my upper left lobe. Biopsy confirmed it was cancer. After removing my upper left lobe and lymph no

Samantha D, WI

Cancer is not a diagnosis given to an individual, it is a diagnosis given to an entire family. April 2016 my life came to a complete halt when my mom was diagnosed with stage 3 non small cell lung cancer. Within 24 hours doctors confirmed it was in f

Nicholina C, NJ

I was diagnosed with Lung Cancer in July, 2015 following a Cat Scan of the chest. A Bronchoscopy had been completed due to a chest x-ray which indicated a tumor, but was non-diagnostic. I then changed facilities, and was diagnosed in August, 2015 aft

Richard D, NV

My name is Richard Davis and I am a community health worker with Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican Hospitals in Las Vegas.

Lisa B, NE

My name is Lisa – I am a daughter, a wife, a mother – and my life has been profoundly touched by lung cancer. On December 27, 2010, I was in the car with my boys and my husband, who just came home from Afghanistan for the holidays; we were heading to

Denise L, CA

For 3-6 months, I would pass a billboard on the highway as I drove home from work. It was for early detection, lung cancer., American Lung Association "Saved by the Scan" billboard.

Holly S, MI

My mom died in 2003 at the age of 57 beause of lung cancer. She was a daughter, a sister, a cousin, a wife, a mom, an aunt, a grandma, but most of all she was a FRIEND!

Alicia S, MT

Pulmonary Fibrosis has been in my family on my mothers side for many, many years. Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) has taken too many of my family members.

Cheryl C, AL

Cheryl Cook is an active person who travels internationally, watches her grandchildren, tends to her vegetable garden and rarely gets sick, so her lung cancer diagnosis in March 2018 came as a complete shock.

Tina G, PA

I was diagnosed March 2017 with stage 3 non-small cell carcinoma lung cancer that had spread to my mediastinum lymph nodes. I had gone through chemotherapy and also radiation everyday for a month and then had my left upper lobe of my lung removed. On

Eileen H, AL

Just over one year ago, at the age of 82 years, my worst nightmare came true; I was diagnosed with the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) called adenocarcinoma.

Judith J, NJ

Driving to Florida for a winter vacation in March of 2015, my Primary Doctor calls me to tell me that, after looking at my MRI, I have lung cancer and the story began.

Kristina K, TN

I am a 37-year-old female. I had surgery on June 8, 2018 on a lung nodule that was randomly found on a CTA of the heart that my cardiologist ordered because of my bradycardia. All of my doctors were convinced it would be benign. I don't even think my

Martin H, MT

Rhonda V,

My story is about my mom who was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer on July 3, 2014 and lost her battle seven weeks later. She was the dearest, most caring and giving person on the planet and there was nothing worse than watching her gasp and strugg

Pamela J G, TX

I climb every step for my two sons Grant and Garrett who had asthma growing up and for my good friend Linda Liberatore who died way too young after a short battle with lung cancer in 2019 and everyone fighting to breathe.

Cathy P, ND

Jean R, IA

Sue M, MT

Tom S, AK

Tom S, ME

Carol M, FL

Kathy L, TN

Gail S, AZ

Cheryl M, AL

I quit smoking 5 years ago after 44 years! My UAB primary care doctor suggested I get the scan. I had a 0.9 cm nodule removed November 9th. It was so small we considered waiting three months for a recheck.

Frances F, AZ

I was dignosed with COPD over 6 years ago! A long with the patch I quit smoking! I did the walk last year and was impressed! I love walking and meeting people with this disease and the dreaded C word! I would love to find a better breathing club.

Melinda M, TN

I am 55 years old and quit smoking over 11 years ago, but was worried about lung cancer. As soon as I heard about the low dose screening CT scan I requested a referral from my doctor. The scan was performed in July, 2018 and was so easy! Just lay sti

Jo Ann J, VA

I quit smoking after many decades on October 2, 2017, cold turkey. Woke up that morning, made a cup of coffee and lit one of three cigarettes in the pack. Started coughing about half way through and couldn't seem to stop, so I put it out. Lit it back

Jean P,

My dad died six months ago from lung cancer.

Crystal N, CA

My dad was my best friend and was the first person I would go to when something great happened in my life.

Craig F, WI

My dad quit smoking in 1985 after his mother died. 3 1/2 years later I convinced him to see a doctor when I detected a 'wheeze' in his breathing.

Amanda P, OH

My grandfather was diagnosed with Stage 3C lung cancer in 2010

Donna Z, NY

I am a 46 year old woman, because of cigarettes, I am now a widow. My husband passed away in October 2012, almost a year ago, besides myself he left behind two teenage sons.

Cindy B, CT

My father, a non-smoker, passed from lung cancer nearly five years ago. He was diagnosed after he developed a cough treated for a few months as pneumonia.

K (Karen) L, HI

After several months of unintended weight loss and increasing joint inflammation and pain, I developed a cough. Just hours after being told my cough was caused by acid reflux, I began coughing up blood.

Teresa W, TX

My father was diagnosed with lung cancer in December of 1983. He was 69 years old at the time and had been a heavy smoker for 50 years.

Linda A, MN

About 7 months ago I went in for a physical - everything was just "fine". Blood work everything is okay. For about 3 weeks I had has this stitch in my right side.

Pat P, MS

My dad died from lung cancer in January 2003. He was diagnosed less than 30 days earlier. He had been exposed to radiation at his job. Fast forward to 2011 when I had a recurrent sore throat and went to my ENT.

Margaret C, NY

My brother passed away from lung cancer on July 20, 2013 - he had learned he had lung cancer on June 23, 2013 - too late to receive any treatment or hope for a longer life.

Becky J, MA

Did you know that lung cancer claims more lives each year than breast, prostate and colon cancers COMBINED? Did you know that it doesn’t receive nearly as much funding as those cancers? Until my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer I did not know much

DeWitt H, NM

Lung cancer took my wonderful brother Richard from his wife and extended family when he was only 56. That's been 12 years ago, but of course I think of him very often.

Laurie S, NY

My mom had lung cancer. We did not find out she had it until it was 4th stage. She was diagnosed in 09/15/2010 and passed 09/21/2013. She did two rounds of chemotherapy then did radiation.

Frank C, CA

In Dec. 2009 I went for my annual physical, all went well. I had a new doctor as mine had retired. By chance he gave me a chest x-ray.

Peter R, CT

I have a good outcome story. On April 27, 1994, I had a car accident. I complained about chest pain caused by the seat belt. A CAT scan was taken and several nodules were spotted.

Summer D, CA

"Did she smoke?" When people found out my mom had lung cancer that was the first question they asked. As if finding out that she did would make it better.

Rebecca V, GA

I lost my father to lung cancer almost three years ago. What I really want others to know is that people with lung cancer, your friends, your family, your loved ones, are not statistics.

Allen M, VA

My late wife, a long-time cigarette smoker, died of lung cancer

Mary M, MO

My lung cancer was discovered, like most, by accident, while being scanned for something totally unrelated. The diagnosis of Stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer was a shock, to say the least, as I am a non-smoker, swimmer, bicyclist, healthy eater an

Cheryl S, OH

It's been almost five years since my then 12-year old daughter came running down the stairs in tears to tell me one of her best friend's mother had just been diagnosed with lung cancer.

Ruby H, PA

My husband was diagnosed with kidney cancer, and when we went to see the surgeon, he informed us that there was a spot on the lung.

June A, LA

Debbie S, OR

On Sept. 11, 2012, I experienced chest pains which were diagnosed as acid reflux. Chest pains require a chest x-ray, which showed a shadow on my left lung.

Sherri S, NE

My dad passed away from lung cancer on Sept 15, 2009. He was the one who helped me and I was still in high school so when he didn't feel good.

Gloria R, PA

Five years ago, at the age of 60, my intuition told me to get a CT scan - my brain also urged this, as I'd smoked for 25 years.

Lysa B, NV

I had back pain for several months that just got worse. After finally going to the ER and having an x-ray, EKG, MRI and a CT I was told I had lung cancer that had spread to my spine.

Cheryl V, OR

I coughed up blood July 4, 2000, and being a respiratory therapist who had a chronic cough for about 3 months, decided it must be tuberculosis that I was exposed to.

Marge C, GA

In July 2011 getting ready for my yearly physical and feeling better than I had in a long time, my chest x-ray revealed a spot on my right lung.

Frank L, NY

I was a volunteer responder on 9/11 and was present at ground zero for over 2 months. In February, 2006 I was diagnosed with my first of 3 primary lung cancers.

Ronda D, IL

I was diagnosed two years ago with stage 3B lung cancer, my bonus was Horner’s Syndrome due to the location of my tumor (Pancoast). I have since been upgraded to stage IV.

Buddy R, NC

In early Feb, 2011 I went to my primary care physician to be treated for what was thought to be pneumonia. A chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI and bronchoscopy later, I was diagnosed with SCLC (limited) with a partial collapse of my upper right lobe.

Gail C, NY

When I went to the ER in May 2011 with an acute GI problem, I never expected to be told that the CT scan they had done had detected a lung nodule (unrelated to the GI problem).

Connie T, CA

Three summers ago, when I had a terrible backache after a strenuous hike, the last thing I expected was a diagnosis of Stage IV lung cancer. Even less expected was that the tumor, which had pretty much destroyed one of the vertebrae in my lower back,

Kerry L, NY

I am a trained medical professional (RN/Respiratory Therapist) who has lost both parents to lung cancer. Professionally I have taken care of patients who have/had lung cancer.

Dianna S, FL

I am a 57 Year old Grandmother of two wonderful boys and I found I'm Stage 3a Lung Cancer. I took control of my treatment immediately but must credit largely my husband of 38 years for standing at my side, asking questions, demanding answers and prod

Roy M, NC

During the summer of 2004, I was coughing up blood. My primary doctor sent me to see a lung specialist, who performed tests on me. He diagnosed me as having lung cancer.

Hope C, MS

A little over 3 years ago, I came down with Pneumonia. To confirm this, the doctor took a chest x-ray, which showed a spot on my lower right lobe of my lung. Biopsy confirmed that I had a Well Differentiated Carcinoma.

Michelle M, FL

Well my father is a really active 70 year old man who smoked his pretty much entire life. Other than that he has a healthy lifestyle, decent weight, still working as an attorney, lover of his family with multiple dreams and projects to accomplish.

Cheryl H, MI

What are the chances that one person has two parents that are afflicted with lung cancer? Well, that's my story...I was only 22 years old when my dad was diagnosed.

Alan P, PA

Peter W, IA

Theresa moved to Sturgeon Bay, WI from Seoul, South Korea in 1980 at the age of 14, and we first dated in 1984. Eighteen years later, in the fall of 2002, we were reunited.

Kristin G, CA

My sister was diagnosed with lung cancer on April 1, 2013. She had no symptoms except for joint pains and swollen finger tips and feet.

Mike T, VA

I blame it on the cigarette companies - they knew smoking was dangerous yet denied it and still advertised it as OK, even implying that "light" cigarettes were an acceptable alternative.

Jason D, MO

I just wanted to let you know about a young man who is honoring his grandmother, who is currently battling lung cancer. Nickolas, who is a Varsity Football Player in Seneca, MO, has been wearing a pink band around his wrists this season to honor his

Christie S, TX

In December 2011 my dad, Gaylon, was diagnosed with stage four non-small cell lung cancer. By the time he was diagnosed it had spread to his bones, other organs and his brain. He had tumors in his brain that caused him to be unable to speak clearly a

Jes W, OH

I was nine years old when I was affected by lung cancer. My dad passed away from lung cancer after a three year battle with the disease. It taught me as a young girl about resilience and staying strong in the face of such a hard life lesson.

Michele F, FL

My sister in-law passed away in April after a 9 year battle with lung cancer.

Michael H, NC

On Friday, May 7, 2004, I received a call from my sister. Meg had come from a doctor’s visit because of nagging bronchitis. She was headed to the hospital for chest X-rays.

Frank S, MA

Last year on November 2, my mom became ill when she came home from work. She felt dizzy, and parked her car crooked when she arrived home.

Clare M, AL

I am 70 years old and woke in the night with pain under my right shoulder blade. I thought it was a heart attack so woke my husband to go to the emergency room.

Elizabeth R, CA

My husband's story is sadly typical; it all started with a cough. It could be heard throughout the house and he was incapacitated by it. At first they thought it was bronchitis, when it became bloody they tested for TB.

Rita E, ID

My husband, Kelly, is a lung cancer survivor - yes, you read correctly - stage 3.5 small cell in his right lung. It would take a long while and too much space to tell you exactly what happened - but I will shorten it and tell the key points.

Heather I, OH

I found out that my mother has lung cancer after several trips to the emergency room and overnight stays. It started in April with bronchitis and pneumonia.

Diane G, NJ

Nancy M, NY

The Hugs I missed. When I was one, I couldn't tell you not to smoke while you were holding me, so I fussed. When I was five, I would wave your cigarette smoke out of my face as I ate dinner.

Robert A, MO

In the fall of 2011 I wrestled with a cough for a week or two. One day I got dizzy along with severe heart burn and went to my knees. I managed to dial 911, but then got better.

Grace M, GA

When I found out the county I live in, Paulding County, GA, made the "lowest particles" list I was enraged!! The area of Paulding I live in is ALWAYS smoky.

Marlene M, OR

My late husband, Bob (48 yrs old), was diagnosed July, 2003 with stage 4 lung cancer as a non-smoker due to high radon levels in our home in Lake Oswego, OR.

Joyce K, NC

I am sharing my lung cancer story because I want to provide hope and inspiration! I was diagnosed with lung cancer twenty five years ago, at age 33. I was sitting at my desk at work when I coughed up a clot of blood.

Thomas Z, TX

Help make a difference in someone's life. On Sept 13, 2012 I flew to Grand Rapids MI for a four day vacation to surprise my Mom for her 84 birthday.

Denise H, NY

I am a 3 year lung cancer survivor and happy to report my life is very much back to normal. I was diagnosed with stage 2 non-small cell lung cancer in June 2010 and had the upper lobe of my right lung removed in July 2010.

Deborah W, CT

My husband found out he had lung cancer after trying to fight a cold. First the doctor told him he had a bad cold. It would not go away and turned into pneumonia.

Eileen B, CA

Janice S, MI

I was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer in August of this year. The tumor was around 2 centimeters. I consulted with a team of doctors at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI.

Richard W, PA

I grew up in a family where everybody smoked. We never even talked about it. I knew the habit was unhealthy, so limited my use to five cigarettes a day or less.

craig L, OR

I'm a 90-year-old retired surgeon. In WW 2 I was a Marine. Our K-rations and C-rations had packets of 4 cigarettes each. I got hooked. In medical school about 1950 I learned that tobacco causes lung cancer, and tried to quit.

Kathleen S, FL

I was diagnosed in 1999. My diagnosis was a HUGE surprise, and it was not easy to obtain. I had been busy planning my wedding and also had a busy career and small children.

Christina M, TX

My mother just passed away on October 1, 2013 from lung cancer that had metastasized to bone cancer. She was only 67 years old and had not smoked in 15 years.

Donna H, PA

I have nearly 12 years of volunteer experience with a variety of nonprofit organizations, local community based organizations, and civic minded groups.

Tracey B, MD

My dad, 58 years old started having pain in his left side that would not go away. He recently was treated in the hospital for pneumonia three months earlier, so we just thought it was because of that.

Misty W, AR

I lost my mother, Rita, to lung cancer on December 10, 2012 at 3:05 PM. We found out she had lung cancer after a drain tube was put into her lung to drain some fluid off on November 7, 2012.

Linda R, MN

My story of how I figured out I had lung cancer: Early February of 2004 I was having extreme anxiety and panic attacks. I ended up in ER twice because of it.

Nancy M, MA

August 2010 I went to my primary physician after experiencing tremors/painful tingling sensation in my left arm above my elbow. These would literally jump to my rib cage under my left breast.

Bob A, FL

Lina J, CA

In January 2006, a broken rib from coughing led to the diagnosis of stage 3b lung cancer. My late husband was not a smoker.

Mike N, ME

My name is Mike Nobel. I'm a songwriter living in ME. My wife has worked for many years as a Hospice nurse, visiting, and supporting hundreds of patients (and their families) at the end of their lives...

Jillian F, MA

I lost my best friend, my mom, almost a year ago. On November 19, 2012 my mother Brenda (52 years old) lost her battle to cancer. When I say she was my everything, I kid you not.

Robin D,

I was diagnosed with lung cancer on Nov. 16, 2012 and I was devastated as I was a healthy 55 year old health teacher and basketball coach who exercised all the time.

Diana M, FL

I am a 51 year old female and this past August I was diagnosed with stage 2 lung cancer. On the 28th of October I had half of my lung removed.

Kate K, NY

I was blessed my cancer was found early while it was still in my lung only. I was diagnosed at stage 2. In May 2013 I was scheduled for a non-related surgery, but a pre- surgery x-ray showed a spot on my lung that was not there last November.

Donald B, FL

My wife went in hospital to be treated for pneumonia and found out it was stage 4 lung cancer. She had a tube put in her chest for drainage and was sent home.

Kathleen C, TX

I was diagnosed with stage 4 Adenocarcinoma of the lung on 2/21/2011 after a bout with pneumonia. The diagnosis came as quite a shock to me as a non-smoker.

Kathleen R, IN

My Mother, Alexis, was diagnosed with lung cancer in December 2003. She died one day after her 62nd birthday. In the beginning our family researched everything we could on the subject.

Lisa S, OH

My story is about my Aunt Nancy. She was diagnosed in March of 2008 at the age of 46. She had never smoked a cigarette a day in her life.

Fancy T, CA

My experience with lung cancer is a sad one. My mother died almost 4 years ago on January 3, 2010. She was only 56 years old. She had been a smoker since she was a teen.

Cara M, OH

I'm an avid cyclist. Last autumn, my husband and I moved to a place that was at the top of a small hill. I rode my bike through most of the fall and winter months, and soon it got easier and easier to bike up the hill. I was getting stronger.

Leslie E, CT

I was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010. I had a lobectomy done by an arthroscopic procedure performed by a brilliant doctor.

Ashley B, TX

Victoria, 49, found out in mid-July of this year that she had stage four lung cancer. She fought hard to the end.

Charlie J, GA

I had melanoma in 2002. A follow-up x-ray for skin cancer found spot on lung. I had a lobectomy in 2005.

Rose W, KY

In January 2013, at the age of 52, I was diagnosed with stage 2b lung cancer. I was terrified.

Yolanda B, NY

My mother Eartha "Mae", went to the hospital for what we thought was pneumonia, but after return visits to the emergency room and many more tests, it was confirmed lung cancer.

Mark T, CA

http://www.examiner.com/article/extreme-athlete-overcomes-cancer-surgery-and-climbs-willis-tower-four-days-later?cid=db_articles

Nicole R, NV

It has been about a year since that life changing day I got my diagnosis of stage 3b small cell lung cancer.

Julie C, CA

Julia was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer at the age of 26. She passed away just over a year later...

JoAnne J, NJ

My husband Larry was officially diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer at the age of 44 on August 12, 2003. Larry’s ordeal started in June when he thought he broke his little toe.

Juanita B, WI

What a journey. I found lumps around my collar bone in 2009. The doctor wasn't too concerned, but still took a CT scan to keep an eye on it. In March 2010 I lost my husband to a lifestyle death.

Michelle L, NH

I have lost 5 family members to lung cancer, including both parents. My father was the most recent, losing his battle in 2012. He had not smoked for 15 years. It was a total shock.

Joan L, NJ

I started with some back pain between my shoulder blades and I was getting bronchitis almost every month. One day I had some chest pain and went to the emergency room where I was admitted and had a cardiac catheter, which was normal.

Donna G, MD

Robert was a good man! A husband, father, co-worker, neighbor and he was only 51 years old when he died. He never smoked. He battled bravely for 15 months.

Elizabeth P, MA

My Grandmother was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in September 2012. She was gone six weeks later. She passed away two days before Thanksgiving.

Cindy B, AL

I lost my precious Mama, Hazel, who was also my friend. She looked much younger than her years. She was diagnosed with lung cancer after 25 years of being uterine cancer free.

Robyn C, OK

My husband found out he had lung cancer with a chest x-ray. I want people facing lung cancer to get treatment as soon as possible.

Marybeth H, SC

My husband, Eric, was diagnosed at 43 years old with non-smoking Alk positive stage IV lung cancer in March 2012. We had been married almost 5 years and had a 4 year old son and a six month old son.

Lyvonne L, TN

My dad had been having some weak spells and the doctors said it was nothing. In October of 2002, he had gall bladder surgery and the doctor told us it was cancer.

Jessica R, PA

"Don't worry. I'll be fine. See you Friday." These were the last words my Dad ever said to me. I remember that Sunday phone call and the following week like it was yesterday.

Alvy K, TX

In his efforts to determine why I was experiencing "dizzy" spells, my neurologist ordered x-rays

MaryLee F, CA

When I was in my late twenties, I started coughing up blood. I was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in my right lung after having a chest x-ray, bronchoscopy and surgery.

Violet S, IN

I have been smoking since I was 5 years old. I could read the warnings at that age but no one jumped in saving lives then.

Danielle S, ND

We found out that Grandma had lung cancer stage 4 in Feb. 2013. I was devastated and knew she wouldn't have long with us.

Sherry G, ME

My story is a divine intervention about a young woman and mother of three children ages: 22, 17 and 2 and a wife to a wonderful caregiver.

Amy Z, FL

I can still remember exactly how it happened. My Dad called my oldest brother over to our house and sat us down together at the kitchen table with my Mother. He explained to us "I'm very sick".

stage4survivor H, NY

An Interesting Journey... Started with a focal visual seizure which precipitated brain MRI revealing 3 brain tumors measuring 1cm, 1.5cm and 2.5cm over the optic chiasma.

Ruthann B, OH

My husband had cancer in his esophagus and we were told that he also had cancer in his stomach on November 14, 2008.

Jerilyn T, CO

This isn't my story as much as my mom's story. It is short- her life was too short. At 63 she was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer.

Sue H, IL

Growing up in the 1950s in a house where my dad and his father smoked unfiltered cigarettes caused me to have yearly bouts with respiratory infections and allergies.

Karla H, KS

My mom got lung cancer at age 71. She went through 5 chemos and 22 radiations and died 14 months after diagnosis. My sister got lung cancer at age 45 she went through a lung removal, 14 chemos and 40 radiations.

Karl J, OH

When my older son was six, the family was sitting in the living room and I was smoking a cigarette. With worry on his face and in his voice, my son said, "...Dad, don't you know that if you smoke you will catch cancer?"

Timothy J, KY

We learn from observing the examples of the lives which came before us. Of my four grandparents, three smoked. The one who did not is still alive at 98 years of age.

Robert T, CA

I tried and failed several times to quit smoking tobacco. Each time I failed I would beat myself up verbally, labeling my failure as evidence that I was defective and lacking in willpower because I was unable to kick the habit.

lenore K, NY

I was operated on in November had right upper lobe removed did my 1st chemo treatment in Jan. Right now I'm just having a real hard time with this.

Michelle D, AZ

My dad found out July 1, 2013 (just a month before his 68th Birthday, and less than a year after retiring from a family owned flooring business) that the "clearing of his throat" that he kept doing wasn't allergies...it wasn't valley fever...

Joyce C, AL

I do appreciate the volunteers work. They are the ones who have helped me quit smoking. It has been hard but I go to one of the sites on the computer when I want a cigarette and read about the harm a cigarette causes my body.

Valerie H, MI

Just over three weeks ago my brother drove himself to the emergency room with severe shortness of breath. He thought he was having a heart attack.

JoAnn B, NC

I was urged by my husband to go back to my doctor with a lingering cough for two months after having bronchitis. My chest xray looked suspicious.

Shelly H, SC

Today I had a fine needle and core biopsy on lymph nodes above my collarbone. I'll be waiting for the pathology results, probably 4 to 5 days, but what's the rush?

squeeky W, MN

Yep, its back. The 16mm lump is growing. We thought we beat two stage four cancers 5 years ago, but it has reared it's ugly head.

Elsie A, NY

When my baby sister was like 2 years old her baby food went inside her lungs. I have a question how does baby food get into your lungs when your 2 years old.

Dan P, SC

Ten months to the day, after they married, the unthinkable happened. On January 23rd of 2014, Dan received news that rocked their entire world, which had only begun to feel normal again after Becca’s accident.

John C, WA

I am a Vietnam vet. In the summer of 2009, I was being diagnosed for gall bladder stones when an alert radiologist noticed a "suspicious area" in the lower lobe of my right lung while reading a CT scan that was focused on my gall bladder.

Sherrie B, NC

I am an active working mom of two young adults, two huge dogs, and several other pets, living in a log home near the ICWW in NC.

Sandra A, TX

Five years ago, my mother looked me straight in the eyes and told me that she did not believe smoking caused cancer. Three years ago she had a heart attack and quit smoking.

Margee' M, WA

In Dec. 2006, I received a call that my Mom's youngest brother had died from lung cancer. Then just 10 months later her younger sister died from lung cancer.

elizabeth B, AL

When I was 4 my father would put something in his mouth, I thought blow on it, and put it in the ash tray. When he put me in the car, he’d light one up, at first it smelled kind of sweet.

Matt R, LA

My uncle was diagnosed with stage IV small cell lung cancer on Monday, July 5, 2014 and died on Saturday, July 23, 2014. Having smoked for over 50 years, his diagnosis at age 69 was shocking, but not surprising.

Dona G, WI

My husband, Gary, was diagnosed with lung cancer last December, virtually no symptoms. He was having knee surgery and in the course of preparing for that, the spots on his lungs were found.

lisa F, PA

My name is Lisa F. I am 52 years old. I was a smoker who quit about 6 years ago. Last winter I got sick several times, running fevers coughing a lot with a lot of mucus.

Helen M, NC

In the last 4 years I have had 4 brothers and sisters diagnosed with lung cancer. One Stage 1, one Stage 2, One Stage 3 and One Stage 4.

Dawn H, WA

In May 2013 I noticed a cough that wouldn't go away. After many visits to my primary care provider, two chest x-rays, and trying several allergy medicines and inhalers, I finally sought a second opinion.

Bob B, OH

On Sept 3, 2013 I came home from work feeling good. Had to go to bathroom and when I went- nothing but blood. Long story short, I ended up in hospital.

Mary B, VA

In Jan. 2013 I had a CT prior to an endo/colonoscopy to determine the reason for abdominal pain. I found our I had gallstones and needed surgery.

Angela K, NY

This is the beginning of our journey. My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer metastatic to the brain on Oct 12, 2014.

Shirley H, VA

I was diagnosed with lung cancer with mets to the bone, Stage 4 on October 7, 2013. I have worked as a Registered Nurse for 25 years.

Michele H, AL

I was diagnosed with SCLC last May and have concluded chemotherapy and radiation (right lung) and Prophylactic Brain Irradiation. At this point there is no evidence of cancer where they have scanned me.

David B, FL

My Mom Was Diagnosed With Stage 4 Lung Cancer In 2009. She Passed away in 2012. I Miss Her Very Much.

Bernard B, VA

Hi All - I am 58 and was diagnosed in January 2014 with lung cancer stage 3b NSCLC after coughing phlegm with streaks of blood since mid-2013.

Laurie C, NC

My husband, John, was recently diagnosed with lung cancer following a visit to the hospital.

Billy B, SC

My husband, a smoker for 50 years, was diagnosed in September 2014 with stage 4 lung cancer. The cancer involves lymph nodes and has advanced to his liver.

Meliss H, PA

My husband started coughing in his sleep in September. By the end of December after a test we found out he has stage 4 lung cancer.

Dawn W, TX

My story is very short, we didn't even have time. I knew something was wrong when I hadn't heard from my mom in a while.

Cathy P, PA

We found out today that my dad has stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. He was a perfectly healthy 79 year old man who started coughing in Nov. 2014. Doctors treated him for bronchitis but the antibiotics didn't help.

Corey W, CA

I’m a 23-year-old girl who is beating stage IV lung cancer. Just 2 weeks after graduating from UC Berkeley, I was walking down a street in San Francisco when I received an unexpected phone call.

Max M, CO

My mom had been having a persistent cough for several weeks. My sister insisted that she go see her doctor. A chest x-ray revealed fluid outside the lungs and a spot on the upper lobe of her left lung.

Robin H, OH

My husband found out Oct 24, 2015 that he has stage IV lung cancer-- small cell, a very aggressive cancer. He started chemo in Nov. finished it in Feb. and is now in radiation.

Allana B, MD

My Mom was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer on February 18 and was given 3 to 5 months to live.

Juanita L, PA

In June of 2012 my Pop-pop was diagnosed with lung cancer. He was 62 years old. He had been very very tired, having to sit and catch his breath after just walking a block, sometimes even less.

Anita O, HI

Smoking is the bane of my life. The destruction it has caused in my own personal life has been devastating. Sadly, my beautiful Mum died from Lung Cancer in May of 2014.

Evan F, NJ

For over sixty years or more my mother like a mother had lived with lung cancer. Her recipe for living with lung cancer is prayer and faith.

Lizzy S, IN

One night i didnt eat and i was not feeling good i myself thought i had a flu or somthing well turns out that night i was rushed

Patti S, OH

My mom has had a cough several times in the last couple of years. Routinely diagnosed with bronchitis and allergies. Finally after 4 months of coughing this recent time they did an x-ray.

Adnin R, IN

My beloved who treated at singapore last 5month.. Doctr now giving his the last 6 chemo..

James M, TX

Meridith E, NJ

My mother has small cell lung cancer. She was diagnosed with it in April of 2015. She smoked two packs of cigarettes per day for over 40 years of her life. For years, my brothers and I tried to get her to stop smoking.

Lisa T, IN

My beloved Aunt Lou was diagnosed with NSCLC in October 2014 with a tumor on her spine and one on her liver. We were so shocked.

Jessica L, MA

We found out my mom had extensive stage small cell lung cancer in early March 2015. Before March she only had a slight but persistent cough.

Danielle K, NJ

My Aunt. Energetic, Spiritual, Full of Attitude with Love, Beautiful, Fighter and I can go on. My Aunt is a surviving breast cancer patient who was told she only had 6 months to live, she laughed and went to work on her body, mind and spirit.

Tracey J, NJ

I wanted to share this story of the love of my life Joshua who was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer that spread to his brain and kidneys this last May.

Yasmin J, TX

Hi. First of all, the reason I decided to visit this website is that I got to a point where Im so sick of friendly pick ups and 'youll be okay' hopefull sentences.

Leslie H, CA

My name is Leslie and on mothers day I was told I had stage 4 lung cancer.

Sandy W, CA

In January of 2014, I had a cough that would not go away. My doctor gave me antibiotics. They did not work. Went back to the doctor, more antibiotics, and they didn’t work.

Kathryn M, NY

It was 62 days from diagnosis to death after a lifetime of smoking on and off. It still hurts 2 months after I lost my mom.

Barbara L, NJ

My husband was diagnosed almost ten years ago with stage 4 non small cell lung cancer. It is not a death sentence.

Monica B, MI

diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer positive for ALK gene which allows me to take pills daily to keep the growths at bay. cancer metastasized to my retina at the time of diagnosis and to my brain have had eye and full brain radiation.lost eye to radiati

Shayla U,

Sarcoidosis in my lungs. granulomas and lesions. The lymph nodes between my lungs were very enlarged. mass and clusters in the bottom of my right lung that was too deep to biopsy biopsies came back as infection and sarcoidosis. mass in right ventricl

Martha E, DE

Dad had surgery to remove most of a lung. Cancer. Smoking. second hand smoke

Cor H, TN

Six people in my family have been taken too soon because of lung cancer. My mom was only 48 years old when she died. I was with her every step of the way from chemo to radiation until her last breath. When we went in public people just assumed she ha

Melissa C,

needed a routine physical for my new teaching job and that is how the cancer was found. I'll never forget hearing the heart stopping words, "You have lung cancer". After those words slowly sunk in and my brain struggled to process this information,

Karen S,

n 2003 I was diagnosed with lung cancer and cancer of the trachea. I went twice a day for radiation - 8:30 am and 2:30 pm and had 10 chemo treatments. pneumonectomy

Angela H,

My mother in law Linda was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer two years ago. First, it started small in one lung and she was still able to do many of that things she loved to do, go shopping, hang out with her family, visit the beach etc. After abou

Denise G,

My mother was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in November 2013 and passed away in June of 2014 at the at of 67. She has went to her primary care doctor complaining her vision was off.

Heather H,

He was diagnosed at the age of 29 with stage four lung cancer. My brother never smoked. They tried radiation but the tumors continued to grow. At the age of 30 my brother passed away.

Sherry K,

I would be lost without American Lung Association, I had a fungus in my lungs that was growing, my medication cost $1,900 every 2 weeks, my job offers no insurance so I couldn't afford to get my meds. They helped me to get insurance and checked up to

Alicia N,

My mother passed away almost 3 weeks after of being diagnosed with stage 4 Lung cancer. We didn't have time to process the shock of the diagnosis and most of all to spend time with her. My family and I want to do this walk and many more in her honor

Jamie I,

She was a smoker most of her life until she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer in July 2005. She only survived 3 1/2 months of treatment including chemo, radiation, brain surgery, etc. Typically the first question I get when I tell anyone that my

Gabrielle T,

Lung Cancer non-smoker Father symptoms back pain ribs mass in lung spread stage IV

Thomas B,

They did five tests on me and found a mass on my left lung. A biopsy revealed it to be cancer! More tests determined that it was in the early stages.

Tracy S,

er primary care was treating her for asthma, which she never had in her life. Her swallowing of water made her cough but dr thought nothing of it. X-ray showed nothing,. She started having some back pain as well. She decided to not participate in the

Tracy O,

My husband, Kevin, was diagnosed Stage IIIa squamous lung cancer in January 2015. radiation and chemotherapy RLL lobectomy many days he was very tired the radiation caused him soreness swallowing lost nearly 30 lbs. and his hair. . In August, he rece

Bridget M,

cancer, one COPD, and one asthma. hatred of smoking. My dad was a long time smoker with emphysema. Eventually, he developed COPD and was tied to a oxygen machine. Daughter, pneumonia, asthma.

Dena I,

colds, bronchitis and pneumonias. never been an addicted smoker. biopsy .Cancer was diagnosed and they removed 2/3 of my left lung and one lymph node. developed double pneumonia and two staph infections in my lungs. Tarceva

Barbara C,

Lung Cancer Tarceva mutation chemo

Lisa T,

I had a complete lobectomy (removal of whole upper left lobe) and was staged at 1B - adenocarcinoma NSCLC. I researched day & night about the condition & treatments discovering that chemotherapy, according to the latest studies, was not recom

Deborah M,

They immediately set up two needle biopsies, and found cancer in both of my lungs. I had aggressive radiation on the two bigger spots (both very small) and 3 weeks later, had a CT scan to check the how the spots reacted to the radiation.

Patricia M,

COPD, ASTHMA, CAN BARELY BREATH. One would think I would stop. I was in the hospital more than at work or home. I can breath a lot better although I have to use oxygen every three hours if I have to. Also I have to. My clothes do not have that smoke

Jackie D,

I was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell carcinoma in June of this year. I also have an auto-immune syndrome, called Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome, which attacks muscle, tendons and joints.

Channel W,

It wasn't until I was diagnosed with lung cancer 2 years ago that I learned so much about this deadly cancer. I didn't know that it takes more lives than all the other cancers combined. I've never been a smoker.

Jana A,

My Team Warrior Women will be walking in honor of my beloved and beautiful Aunt Debbie (lung cancer), adopted Aunt Polly (Copd) and friend Donna Moore (lung cancer). These women were warriors, they fought the good fight for as long as they could. I w

Lindsey W,

My grandma was diagnosed with COPD last year. They found abscesses in her lungs. We're trying to get her treated effectively and improve her longevity.

Barbara B,

My father has COPD. He has been a smoker since a young age and it is severely limiting his adult life.

Donna R,

I walked in the LUNG FORCE Walk in support of my co-worker Rachel who has been fighting stage 4 lung cancer for the last year. I have watched the different phases of her emotions and it is so heart wrenching. I continue to send her loving messages da

Madelyn W,

My uncle passed away from lung cancer. I cared for him at home and stayed by his side when he took his last breath in his own home. His last words were "I love you always".

Tara L,

My mother was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in October 2014. She found a lump under her left arm - if it weren't for that lump, we would never have known the degree.

Vivian A,

15 years ago, my mom died from lung cancer. I took care of her for 3 1/2 years until it took her life. I hope and pray that one day there will be a cure!

Elizabeth V,

I have taught asthma education to parents and patients since 2001. But in the last six months I have had to learn about a different lung disease, lung cancer. My husband is still getting chemo. This is why I walk for the LUNG FORCE!

Franisha A,

I've lost both of my grandmothers to lung cancer and my aunt has lung and throat cancer. I greatly admired all of these women for their courage and strength and their will to never give up.

Rhonda V, LA

My story is about my mom who was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer on July 3, 2014 and lost her battle seven weeks later.

Lori M,

My journey began in March 2015 - I had broken out in a rash that started on my leg and spread to other parts of my body.

Laura C,

My mom has been battling stage IV lung cancer since July 2011. I feel so blessed and wonderful she is still here! Thank you God!

LeeAnne K,

I am a 41 year old mother of two children. My first encounter with cancer was when I just gave birth to my daughter and the doctors realized I had cervical cancer.

Brandon D,

My mother and grandmother both lost their lives to lung cancer. I helped take care of my mother, and she fought this for 5 years. I miss her very much!

Andrea N,

My name is Andrea and I was a caregiver for my Mom for fourteen years. During the last couple years of my Mom's illness, my Auntie Isabelle was a huge source of emotional support to me.

Lynn M,

I am a runner, mostly half marathons and ten-milers. I am a mother of three grown boys. I am a full-time professional. I am a lung cancer survivor.

Linda G,

My journey with lung cancer is just beginning. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer this month.

Emily Y,

I am a 49 year old single mother of a beautiful 6 year old daughter. I was diagnosed with Stage IV adenocarcinoma on August 1st, 2013. I believe the only reason I am alive is because I have the ALK mutation.

Mary W,

At the beginning of September 2015, my doctor sent me to the ER for a problem with my leg. While in the ER, I mentioned about a nagging cough that I was having that wasn't going away.

Stephanie W,

Seven years ago, they found a 2 cm nodule in my right lower lung on a CAT scan of my abdomen. It was found by complete accident. I was 43 years old.

Bailey G,

My beautiful Mama's life was cut far too short due to a horribly misunderstood disease - lung cancer.

Wanda N,

My sister, mother, my husband and I have lost loved ones to COPD. My husband of 21 years is still here with me and was able to do the LUNG FORCE Walk in Louisville!

Wendell S,

I walked in the 2015 LUNG FORCE Walk to support my mother who I stood by for over 10 years while she had COPD.

Cissy B,

My mom and sister passed away with COPD. My mom has been gone for 34 years and Jeannie 2 years. I love and miss them very much. I also take care of the lady next door to me - she and my brother in law walked with me at the LUNG FORCE Walk.

Robin S,

I was diagnosed on Mothers Day on May 9, 2013 with stage 4 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. It has now metastasized to my brain - I'm still fighting!

Jenese B,

In 2009, I caught a respiratory virus. I was sick for 2 months and ended up in hospital with an enlarged heart - It was keeping me going!

Jennifer W,

My mother had COPD for 15 years. No matter how hard it was for her, she fought and fought for her kids!

Terri S,

I am a respiratory therapist. My mother died from COPD in 1997. I have asthma. My granddaughter and daughter both have asthma.

Deborah N,

About ten years ago, my younger sister called me and said her arm had "stopped working."

Chandra G,

I have suffered from asthma since I was a child. Many people like to think that asthma is not that important or that is does not affect your day to day life.

Bill S,

"Don't smoke," is my advice to anyone who will listen. I know firsthand the impact it can have on one's health, as I was diagnosed with lung cancer five years ago.

Donna F, TX

I am Donna. A wife of over 40 years, a mom, a daughter, a sister, and a stage IV lung cancer survivor.

Jennifer N,

When I was only 36 years old, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer with mets to my bones. We were all very surprised as I had never smoked and had not lived or worked with a smoker.

Heather D,

I believe I was 12 or 13, when I was first referred to a specialist and diagnosed with asthma. I didn't give it much thought back then, it didn't affect me. I'm 31 now and I feel like my life has flipped in the wrong direction in regard to my health.

Demetrice T,

Hello Ms. Patti and American Lung Association and who support in Lung Cancer awareness. My mom pass away of this deadly disease, March 25, 2013.

Rhonda T,

It began with a cough in late winter. I just thought I had a case of bronchitis. I had not yet quit smoking but was cutting down.

Carole B,

In March 2011, after worsening back pain, I visited my physiatrist who ordered an MRI. When I saw her for the results, she was speechless; my upper body was "riddled with lesions".

Pamela L,

The diagnosis came on the day before New Year's Eve last year. My wife and I were completely numb. How could this possibly happen? How could I have Stage III Lung Cancer? It had to be a mistake!

Hazel B,

I was diagnosed with lung cancer July 2014. I had pneumonia and they did chest x-ray and found a spot. I was diagnosed in stage 2.

Connie S,

I was having chest pain and went to the ER. They did a ct scan and found the spot on my lung.

Diana H,

I lost my mom in 2007 to lung cancer at the age of 63. One year later, I lost my sister. She was 45 years old and had lung cancer.

Thomas S,

I taught English and humanities at Deerfield High School for 34 years. Now I live in Chambersburg, PA and have just completed five years of caring for my wife Leslie who died of non-smoking lung cancer October 22, 2015.

Donna N,

In late May 1997, my sister and I went to London. When we returned, I had a cough. Being a nonsmoker, I shrugged it off as effects of pollution in the UK.

Karen L,

I will celebrate 19 years of survivorship following concurrent diagnoses and surgeries for ovarian and uterine cancers in January 2016. Apparently, that wasn't enough for me though, as fate had a new obstacle to put in my path.

Estrea J,

In 1998, I got the scare of my life. I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I was shocked. I had quit smoking 12 years before that and even then, I was a social smoker.

Glenn W,

I'm 72 years old and I was diagnosed as 1a in November 2013. I had lower half lung removed a month later followed by seven weeks of chemo and radiation, because when I exited surgery, I was 3a due to unseen involvement.

Margaret A,

Bill was not feeling right – feeling short of breath and dizzy, we traveled to the ER. A few hours later, he was admitted for some tests and two days later, after completing the tests, we got the dire news. Lung cancer.

Lisa M,

My name is Lisa M. In August 2015, at the age of 44, I went from having a very active, healthy, life with a persistent cough and a little shortness of breath, to finding out I have stage IV non-small cell lung cancer.

Helen M,

On my birthday, I was sitting in my doctor’s office waiting to speak to an oncologist and all I can remember is just feeling broken.

Laronica C,

I was at work when I received the call. My coworker was in my office and I didn't know until much later that her being there was on purpose. The phone rang at my desk and it was my mom.

Christy F,

In 2006 I didn't feel well. I was really tired, had shortness of breath, chest pain, back pain, a constant cough and wheezing. I had 6 symptoms of lung cancer. By the time I was diagnosed it had spread to both of my lungs, my neck and I had a tumor t

Carolyn W,

Approximately a year after quitting a 25 year smoking addiction in 1988, I trained as an American Lung FFS Facilitator and facilitated the program at area hospitals and in the corporate setting for many years.

Verna Riffe B,

Lung cancer is a very personal issue for me. Below is a copy of the letter I wrote to the Cleveland City Council regarding pending legislation that would impact the incidence of lung cancer.

Kimberly B,

At age 37 I was diagnosed with stage 1b non-small cell adenocarcinoma. Lung cancer! How could someone who was a female, young and a non-smoker get lung cancer? How could I get lung cancer? The question just kept running through my head.

Phyllis D,

My sister, Tina, was one of the strongest women I’d ever known. She was more of a mother figure than a sister.

Mistie B,

My name is Mistie and I am a 41 year old widow with four amazing children. The two words that we strongly dislike is lung cancer!

Margaret R,

I am a 69 year old retired school principal. In 2003, shortly after I retired, I was diagnosed with non- Hodgkins lymphoma. I underwent chemo and beat it.

Roberta J,

My name is Bobbie and I've had lung cancer twice. Let me tell you my story. In March of 2012, while sitting in church with the 5th grade class I worked with I suddenly felt my chest getting very heavy, and my left arm went numb.

Shelly B,

I lost my grandfather to lung cancer a couple of months after I became a respiratory therapist. I know his lung cancer was most likely caused from many years of smoking cigarettes. In my 25 years as a respiratory therapist, I have cared for many pati

Denise G,

Fifteen months after losing my mother to lung cancer, my stepfather lost his battle with advanced COPD.

Bruce H,

I am a physician. In my practice I take care of the many patients who have lung cancer. I have seen firsthand how this silent and deadliest of cancers has persisted, even as smoking has declined. Most disturbing has been the dramatic increase of this

Margaret H,

My husband and I just found out our son at the age of 33 was diagnosed with adenocarsonma lung cancer which has spread to stomach. We aren’t taking it well – we’re devastated and scared. We are meeting with the oncologist tomorrow to see what stage h

Gene D,

My roller coast ride started no where near an amusement park. It was Columbus Day weekend of 2014 and I started to experience severe pain on the lower left side of the chest. I went to my primary care physician who ordered a chest x-ray.

Jutta B,

August 6th, 2012 I was diagnosed with advanced stage 4 Non Small Cell Lung Cancer. My prognosis without treatment was poor and with chemotherapy not much better.

LaShana H,

Keisha and I were the best of friends since both of us were 5 years old. Growing up, we spent every day together in some form or fashion. Whether we were face to face or talking on the phone, we were more like sisters than friends. Keisha was the sup

Anita F,

In June 2014, I was diagnosed with stage IV adenocarcinoma of the lung, a dire diagnosis with grim survival statistics. I am feeling good and doing well today due to the rapid advances in personalized treatment of cancer.

Jennifer K,

After my husband passed away from lung cancer at age 35, I vowed that I would never let his memory fade.

Janet F,

In March 2011, I was healthy, a bit overweight but exercising regularly. However, I'd had a nagging cough for a few months. To make my husband happy, I mentioned the cough to our doctor. Two months, two rounds of antibiotics, one x-ray, and a broncho

Nancy H,

I was an extremely active, healthy 62 year old in April of 2012. I was skiing in Colorado and had, what I thought, was altitude sickness. It wasn't. When I returned to our winter home in Florida, I was told that it was probably stress but I was given

Shirley T,

To start, I was a participant in the NLST screening trials to see if chest X-ray or CT scan was a better choice for lung cancer screening. I was in the X-ray section.

Peggy M,

I smoked for 20 years but I was smoke free for 20 years after. I went in to get my shoulder looked at, turns out it was a torn rotator cuff and went across the hall for pre op tests and they caught the lung cancer in the chest x-ray. I had lower left

Joseph S,

My name is Joseph and I am a nonsmoker. In January of 2013, I was diagnosed with advanced stage lung cancer. For most of 2013, I underwent treatment for that disease - 8 rounds of chemotherapy, major surgery to remove a large portion of my right lung

Jan P,

In May of 2007, I was diagnosed with stage 3A lung cancer. I was not a smoker, so we looked for other reasons I would have lung cancer. We had our home tested for radon, and the results were more than 6 times the level of 4 picocuries/liter of air, t

Tricia W,

It was March of 2006 when I was first diagnosed with lung cancer, but I consider my journey unofficially starting June of 2005 when I was first diagnosed with pneumonia, strep and mono all at the same time.

Martha S,

In August of 2008, at 65 years old, I was undergoing physical therapy at a medical facility where I noticed a poster advertising low dose CT scans for early detection of lung cancer

Andrea B,

There are two things that add to the grief I feel after losing my husband, Dan, to lung cancer in April 2013. The first is that he blamed himself for his disease because he once smoked. The second is that he would have been an ideal candidate for scr

Michelle C,

My name is Michelle and at 32 I was diagnosed with lung disease. My story begins in 2009. I married my best friend, my career took off, and I trained and completed the IronGirl.

Linnea O,

I was diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer in April of 2005. At the time I was forty five years old, a happily married mother of three and a never smoker. The never smoking part is important only because I feel it delayed my diagnosis. Unlike so

Kayla M,

My mom, at the age of 46, being a non smoker started with curious symptoms and lost sight in one eye. Upon an eye exam a tumor was found, then a CT scan revealed hundreds of tumors all across her body. The largest tumor was found in her lung. When he

Eric B,

In 2009, I had surgery for a biopsy in my upper right lung. It proved to be stage 1A adenocarcinoma and the upper lobe was removed. Within 6-weeks I was back to riding my bike, and 10-months after my surgery, I rode in my first charity ride for the A

Sherri M,

In 2010 my world came to an abrupt standstill. At age 52, I was told I had stage 4 lung cancer. I walked out of my doctorâ'TMs office and threw my pack of cigarettes out in the parking lot. All I thought about was that my father had died of lung canc

Christie M, CO

After two months of careful observation by my family physician, then a pulmonologist, and ultimately an oncologist, with X-rays, CT scans, and pulmonary function tests, during which time I lost weight, developed a pronounced cough and sputum coming f

Susan T,

Three years ago I felt sick with what I believed was my annual case of bronchitis. So, when I went to see my physician to get my medicine, I didnâ'TMt think it would be anything different than previous trips to the doctor. However, when the doctor su

Kathy F,

My Journey started in June 2014. I worked full time, married with 4 young boys. Then I started with a cough and shortness of breath when I tried to talk. I went back to the doctor several times in a month, always with a diagnosis of allergies, pneumo

Kristen T,

My story is about my best friend's battle with lung cancer, and the victory that was hers when she went to heaven.

Colleen D,

My Lung Surgery, Sept. 2015 Thirty-five days after seeing my cardiologist I had a right lobectomy. I had gone to the cardiologist for my yearly check up, not that I have much of a heart issue, just a leaky valve that we kept a watch on. During the v

Lisa D,

Eight years has passed since I lost my mother to COPD after her surviving lung cancer. I was lost for words the day my mother told me she had lung cancer. She was my best friend and my mentor, how could I live without her?

William W,

The #1 cancer killer in our nation, lung cancer, took my mother's life in 1989 and is still taking lives in 2016. My mother was diagnosed and after her initial treatment, the cancer resurfaced and she died less than two years later at age 79. At the

Dorothy P,

We were active in the earlier lives of retirement. We belonged to a senior center, went on outings, trips, dinner theaters, etc. But then he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. With Cyberknife and chemo treatments, he became weak and so sick. I h

Lois F,

How Lung Cancer Impacted My Life I did not expect my father to die from lung cancer by age 60. Growing up both my parents were heavy smokers. Every morning and night I would hear them hacking and coughing gasping for air. Still, their persistent smo

Marlene H,

It was on January 18th, 2013 when my journey began. It was the day my husband and I were told I had lung cancer. LUNG CANCER. I thought it was impossible. I was a woman in my early 50’s, healthy as a horse, and a nonsmoker.

Kristen C,

At 38 years old, a routine CT scan for kidney stones revealed a tumor in my lung. Nine months later and after a second opinion, I was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Deborah W,

Sitting in the surgeon's office waiting to be called, my cigarette lay in the ashtray emitting a stream of steady blue grey smoke drifting into the small waiting area. Having a mass in my left breast had brought me to his office. The door to the wait

Dora M,

In January, 2011, I acquired an unnatural cough. It sounded like a bull moose making his bellow through a pinched balloon. It got my attention so I went to the doctor four times in four months. My doctor was placid and told me again and again it was

Stephanie B,

Almost 5 years ago, I lost the most amazing person in my life. My best friend, my inspiration, and a true hero. On April 14, 2011, I lost my dad to lung cancer. As a non-smoker, his stage 4 diagnosis shocked us all. What was first thought to be pneum

Jane J,

My story starts like many others who have been diagnosed with lung cancer - it was all a fluke (and miracle) that it was ever discovered!

Laurie S,

A few months ago if you would have asked me to list 10 things from which I might die, I would have listed heart failure from watching the New Orleans Saints way before lung cancer. I've never smoked, never been around second hand smoke, and never had

Lisa L,

Twenty five years ago I went to my parents house to visit my grandmother who was laying in my childhood bedroom. My parents were caring for her in her lasts weeks of life. She was losing her battle with lung cancer. She made me and her other grandchi

Nancy T, IA

<p>The words you never want to hear, 'you have cancer,' I've heard twice in my life and each time my heart sank. What I couldn't see then was how it would end up making my heart flourish. Cancer was not new to my family. We've seen loved ones survive

Michelle S, NY

I am currently a nonsmoker of five years...I quit because my father and grandfather both died quite young of lung cancer...both smokers.

Nicole D,

My name is Nicole, I'm 22 and a recent college graduate. I am a former college cheerleader, an avid runner, a proud alumnus of a sorority, and a huge Cleveland sports fan. I also happen to only have 1 healthy lung.

Elvia R,

My mom, Blanca was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in August of 2015. Her life expectancy was 3 months but she courageously fought and lived for 6 months after her diagnosis. She did radiation but opted out of chemo and chose to focus on her quali

Laura G,

In February 2015, my 6 year old son I and I were in a terrible car accident. I didn't realize at the time that the car accident was the least of my problems. In fact, I believe the accident saved my life.

Joni C,

On April 7, 2015 my family changed forever. My dad was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, the most aggressive form of lung cancer.

Trish A,

My name is Trish and I am 51 years old. Thanks to lung cancer, I am also a widow.

Judy W, IL

Chandra B, OH

Colette S,

Anyone can get lung cancer. I was one of them. On September 17, 2015 I was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It was palpitations that led me to the ER on that fateful night of the first CT scan.

Leslie H,

In December of 2015, I went to my pre-scheduled allergist appointment. I have several allergies and asthma. My allergist took one look at me and said, "You’re sick." I could only laugh and said that I wasn't.

Debbie P,

My Name is Debbie. On March 4, 2013, I went into my doctors' office thinking I would be getting my work release after being off for a week due to pneumonia.

Terry G,

I started this journey in 2003. I was diagnosed as stage 3b NSCLC adenocarcinoma. The news came as a shock because I was rock climbing, hiking, swimming and just all around being active.

Kathy P,

Unfortunately, both my parents have are now dead from lung cancer. I believe it was because of cigarettes. I hate them and believe all cigarette companies are making money by killing people. Cigarettes should be illegal. I will do my part to raise aw

Sharon D,

First let me say: I was never a smoker. I received my diagnosis in November 2010. The tumor was in the lower left lobe of the lung and was confined so they removed that section and no further treatment was needed.

Kathy H,

I am a three time lung cancer survivor. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with stage 3a lung cancer. It went to my lymph nodes. I had to have radiation and chemo and of course, I got sick and could not do the last chemo.

Steven L,

My story is about "Rinky Dink", my mom who passed away on 4/13/14 from Lung Cancer, I walk in memory of her. She was an amazing person not because she was my mom, because she was so caring and gave so much for her family. To this walk is in memory o

Mara G,

My name is Mara and I live in Colorado. I retired from being a high school educator in 2010 and moved immediately to where a former youth group boyfriend of mine lived. I thought it was like an Oprah Reunion story. I had my fairy tale world by the ta

Jean M,

In January, 2005, during a pre-surgical exam, a chest X-ray revealed a spot on my dad’s lung. It was lung cancer and he had a lobectomy. My dad was 76 at the time and was a vibrant, active guy.

April M,

My story started a few weeks ago. My 85 year old grandfather has been having some breathing issues for a while and his primary physician wrote it off as "he's getting older and he's a former smoker."

Nicole W,

My mother Nancy was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer in June of 2004. She had been a long time smoker, beginning in her late teens which continued off and on throughout her life until she was diagnosed at age 55.

Sandra K,

I am a woman of 67 years and retired. I have five children and four grandchildren. I'm a licensed counselor for mental health and addiction. I have spent the last 20 years working in the counseling field. For several years, I worked with adults and t

Samantha H,

My Mother is my HERO.

Crystal R,

Unfortunately, lung disease is no stranger to our family. My grandfather was a musical legend. At least, our family thought so. He played any and every instrument, from violin and guitar to his most known specialty, the piano. Being in a band in his

Maria R,

My name is Maria and I was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD). My story begins back in 2008. I was getting sick a lot with pneumonia and colds.

Christopher F,

On September 11, 2014 I got a call from my primary care doctor telling me the results of a biopsy of a lymph node in my neck showed lung cancer. Lung cancer?! How is this possible? I am (was) 39 and had quit smoking five years earlier and felt totall

Dana U,

In 2012, I was diagnosed with NSC adenocarcinoma lung cancer, stage 3A. I did chemo and radiation. For nearly 3 years there was no sign of lung cancer anywhere till August 2015 - it was back in the exact same place.

Amy P,

I lost my dad to lung cancer in 1978

Jacquelyn N,

In July 2015, I went to the doctor because I had shingles. I got the medicine for the shingles and the doctor then asked me if I had any other complaints that may need to be checked out as part of my Medicare health maintenance.

Kaye S,

I am female and at age 69, I was diagnosed with lung cancer. A 1 cm tumor was discovered in my right upper lobe by a chest x-ray that I had because I was short of breath. Had I not mentioned this to my doctor, I would be dead today because insurance

Debra M,

I lost my dearest friend of 15 years to stage 4 cancer a month ago. He had smoked, but he quit. He kept it a secret from his family – he didn’t even tell anyone he had cancer. I miss him so much.

Rebecca M,

My story starts in 2014 when I started to have breathing trouble. I went to the hospital as a precaution. After several CT scans and explorative surgery, my pulmonologist found the benign nodules in both lungs. Since then, I have continued to thrive

Bernadette S,

I also got sick in 2008 and became fatigued, coughing - just achy everywhere, so I went to my doctor and was told I had pneumonia. I went back after a dose of antibiotics after getting no relief and was given a stronger dose and told that it looks li

John H,

My story, as it were, started when I found blood in the sink while clearing my throat one morning in February of 2014. It alarmed me more because a friend of mine had recently spent several days in a hospital because of pneumonia.

Brooklyn S,

My step mom, Rita, came into my life when I was 8 years old. From the start, she loved my brother and I like we were her own. I would look forward to going to her house on my dad's weekends because she would always have something fun for us to do.

Alice C,

In October 2014, I was in the process of getting medically screened to donate a kidney to a friend of mine, when I got the call I never expected to get. "We think you have lung cancer."

Michele W,

I was diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer at the age of 46. I am a non-smoker, grew-up in a smoke-free home, not exposed to second hand smoke and no family history of lung cancer. My lung cancer was found on a CT scan while at the ER with blood clots

Jacquelyn F,

I am a 42 year old mother, wife, and teacher. Like most people I was going about the business of life as usual when out of nowhere came this persistent cough. I went to a couple of urgent care facilities and they prescribed antibiotics and sent me on

Carla W,

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger! This is what my life is about. I have always lived a very active healthy lifestyle. I have never smoked and I'm an active runner. I was initially diagnosed with lung cancer at the age of 42. I was shocked!

Candy B,

I was diagnosed April 2013. Initially, I had gone to my family doctor for a routine annual physical. My mother had passed away from mesothelioma and my siblings and I get yearly x-rays because of this. Despite this resolution, I had been extremely bu

Jason N,

My uncle was diagnosed with lung cancer and I never got a good chance to know him. He was a genius and inspired my recent interest into computers. He had even bought me a musical instrument that I did not know about until after his death.

Alexandria S,

My grandma passed away from stage four lung cancer in 2013 after being diagnosed in 2010. She was 77 years old when she passed away. In addition to having lung cancer, she also had COPD and emphysema. She had smoked for most of her life and then one

Roberta W,

Both of my parents battled cancer and transitioned from time to eternity. As a Professional Chaplain in the healthcare setting, I have the privilege of walking alongside of patients who battle cancer as I help them and their families embrace the beau

Becky K,

My father worked in the general motors foundry for 35 years. Sadly, in December of 2015, he got what seemed to be a cold and went to the doctor, got a chest x-ray and was told it was pneumonia.

Michelle S,

Never in my worst nightmare did I imagine that the two words "lung cancer" would enter my life. As a non-smoker who has never been exposed to secondhand smoke, committed to a healthy lifestyle, with no family history of the disease – only complete an

Lawanna B,

My story is about my husband. He was diagnosed at the age of 46, no symptoms besides shoulder pain. He was working every day, thinking it would just disappear. It didn’t – it got worse.

Todd N,

Alejandra E,

Petra J Enriquez was one of the most beautiful and the best Nana God blessed me with.

Joyce E,

My name is Joyce and I am a lung cancer survivor. I was diagnosed four year after I had quit smoking. Here is my story.

Melanie Z,

Nothing hurts more than being told asthma is a childhood disease, one I should have grown out of. it should never not be taken seriously. Although symptoms may lessen, it is a lifelong disease. And, in my case, has only gotten worse.

Patricia F,

I was diagnosed with Lung Cancer in December 2014- Stage 4 in both lungs.

Mohammad M,

I am suffering from breathing problems and asthma since 1975. I now take, Theophyline tablets and use an inhaler of Formoterol Fumarate and Budesonide. No one has diagnosed lung cancer so far.

Sharon M,

Hi! my name is Sharon. I am a 63 year old female, married with 3 children, 5 grandchildren and 3 (soon to be 4) great-grandchildren. I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung on April 27, 2015.

Diane S,

I recently heard that three friends my age, who had stopped smoking at about the same time as I, had been diagnosed with lung cancer. We are all in our mid-70s, and stopped smoking in...the mid-70s.

Janice R,

I am a "never smoker." That's important for women to know because the fastest group of people being diagnosed with lung cancer are never/non smoking women.

Billie Jane H,

I was having preoperative workup done (lab work, etc) before having knee replacement. A chest X-ray was part of the testing. The next day I was called and told doctor wouldn't do the surgery because my X-ray showed I had pneumonia and I should follow

Robert S,

My wife was diagnosed with stage 2a non-small cell lung cancer in August 2011. She passed away this last June.

Stephanie V,

My father was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in August 2007. It all started in April 2007, he was coughing up blood and went to his physician who ordered antibiotics without even seeing him. Then in July 2007 he was complaining of mid sternal che

Karen B,

I am an eight year lung cancer survivor. I was blessed with early detection.

Mary Anne P,

Back in 2010, I was having a lot of abdominal pains. I have a history of peptic ulcer disease. My Internist decided to do a CT scan of my abdomen. At the last minute she added a CT scan of the chest because I had had a persistent cough and I was a fo

Joelle R,

My sister's mother was diagnosed with lung cancer last year (2015) and passed this month (August 2016).

Ernestine T,

I was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in Nov, 2013 after having an MRI of my lower back done to determine causes of right leg pain. Never had any lung issues up to that point and never smoked. A biopsy was done of the tumor seen in the MRI to det

Nancy W,

I was a smoker. There - I put it out there. Lots of boomers smoked. Reasons now don't really matter. And I quit. Finally. Successfully. February 24, 2010.

Teresa S,

After having "sinus" issues for all my life, my "post nasal" drip became worse and I started experiencing a cough. The cough was "productive" so I assumed it was due to my sinus issues.

Clemente P,

Early detection of lung cancer, as with all cancers, is important to me because it saved my sister’s life - on 3 separate occasions!

Rita R,

Early detection allowed me to get operated on to remove the cancer and to have chemotherapy afterwards. I now go for regular check-ups and CT scans. Plus, I am on an oral medicine targeting the cancer that remains.

Maria A,

My mother died of lung cancer at the age of 54. Although she was a smoker, she never felt sick, and didn't experience coughing or any other warning signs. Her father also died of lung cancer in his 60s. My brothers and I are approaching 50.

Cathy Z,

When I had my annual exam with my primary care physician in June 2013, I asked him about having a low-dose CT lung scan. I was a smoker during my 20’s and 30’s and my Mom died of lung cancer. My doctor was dubious -- I was healthy, had no indication

Joan C,

I had just turned 65. I was referred to a new Internist as mine had retired. Dr. Turken had a protocol that anyone who was 65 years of age who had ever smoked would be required to have a lung and heart scan. Both scans showed health issues.

Colleen R,

I really do think early lung cancer detection is important; however when I tried to obtain a low dose CT scan (I planned to pay out of pocket costs with my own funds) with a script from my physician, they wouldn't do it saying I didn't 'fit' the crit

Nancy B,

Whenever I tell people I am a lung cancer survivor, they ask me how I knew I had it. I tell them I had a wheeze, just a little wheeze...and that I had never had a wheeze before.

Anita C,

As a Registered Respiratory Therapist and Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist, I have worked with many lung cancer patients. I have seen many lives cut short by the ravages of lung cancer, including my own beloved Grandfather who had survived WWII

Joann D,

My mother, Joann, turned sixty years old on April 2015 and upon going for her annual physical, her doctor informed her that she was in the best health of her life and whatever she was doing, to keep doing.

Ansel O,

Two years ago, I was a medical transcriptionist at a pulmonary clinic. As a young ally in healthcare, I have encountered narratives of people living with COPD, emphysema, and lung cancer, some of which have traveled with me since.

Nicole R,

In December 2015, I began having a cough that never went away. It got worse and I finally went to the doctor and he diagnosed me with bronchitis, put me on steroids and antibiotics and sent me on my way. The bronchitis never went away, it only got wo

Rita H,

I am a 53 year old never smoker. At 50 I had a blood test at my yearly gynecology exam that showed cardiac protein levels were high.

John H,

I was selected for a program to take a chest X-ray once a year starting in 1984. In 2002 the x-ray showed I had cancer in my right lower lung (small cell). I was operated on in March of 2003, the lower lobe of right lung was removed. My wife said the

Pamela S,

I had been feeling slightly breathless (almost unnoticeable) at the end of summer 2014. I attributed it to the heat and humidity and turning 60. In October I was getting ready for a shopping trip with my children when I coughed up a small amount of b

Samir I,

One day, mid-January, I passed out during performing my duty and was transferred to the hospital with chest pain.

David S,

In June of 2014, I lost my wife, Joanne, to lung cancer. Joanne was my hero and still is. I always said that if I went through what she did, I would probably dig a hole and climb in. Not her - she was a fighter.

Karen M,

An early Saturday morning with Michael having breathing problems was the beginning of a new journey for us. With tightness across his chest and unstable breathing, we headed to Urgent Care.

Louise H,

I smoked for 36 years even after watching my mother die from lung cancer. I've been a non-smoker for almost 12 years now.

Venard C,

Betty Woodruff, Venard Cabbler's mother, is the inspiration for his poetry. When his mother passed away from lung cancer in 2010 he experienced a flood of emotions that tapped into a talent he never knew existed.

Nicole R,

At 36 years old, I was happy, I was re-married with a great pre-teen daughter and 2 wonderful step-sons - life couldn't have been better. In December 2015, I had come down with a cough. It progressively got worse as time went on and while on a New Ye

Helen H,

I was always one of the blessed people who never had to deal with any significant health issues and never even gave my health status much thought. As my family was preparing to welcome my first grandchild into the world, I began to feel that somethin

Stacey R,

My dad was always a very hard working husband and father. He provided a great life for our family. He always worked doing industrial construction. Always was a pretty healthy man. He was never sick and never went to the doctor.

Jackie M,

Jackie went to an allergist about her sinus infection. Because she had coughed up blood, the doctor sent her for an imaging evaluation; it showed a spot on her lung.

Anne B,

I am an MRI technologist and was used to seeing patients diagnosed with cancer. When I developed a pain in my left side, I thought it was from moving wood with my boys.

Stephanie F,

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is among the most feared diagnoses. It is one of the deadliest cancers in the United States and one with a poor prognosis. I do not know how I knew that. It could have been from knowing people who died of small cell or f

James M,

my mother Rose passed away on the 4th of July, two days after her 63rd birthday due to COPD.

Frida O,

In March 2015, Frida O. thought she had walking pneumonia -- she had a low-grade fever and a cough that lasted for months.

Zelita W,

May 8, 2015 I was diagnosed the adenocarcinoma lung cancer. Detection at stage 1B. The cancer was discovered after have a annual mammogram plus a breast MRI because of a family history of breast and other cancers. Needless to say I was not expecting

Katie K,

My mom was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer in August of 2015. The diagnosis was sobering, because she is the root to our family tree.

Ashley M,

In October 2012, I was an average sophomore attending The Pennsylvania State University. Life was great; I had a wonderful boyfriend, great friends, and I was loving the college life.

Alan R,

I was diagnosed with a Pancoast tumor in the summer of 2009. I spent a full career in the painting industry. We worked around every hazardous product there is including lead, asbestos, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, epoxies, and even volatile organic co

Karen V,

I'm 3 1/2 year NED of Adenocarcinoma. I want to share some help with others facing a diagnosis. There were so many things that I didn't know, and wish I had.

Carol S,

In the late 1960s at age 34, Carol’s brother experienced seizure while on vacation with his wife. After being rushed to the emergency room, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, which quickly metastasized to his lungs and brain. He passed away aft

Michelle Y,

In December of 2007, my loving mother was diagnosed with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. She was a non-smoker. Our family was stunned. However, once we accepted the diagnosis, we were determined to stand as a family and wage war against the disease. Th

Heather J,

My name is Heather, I am 43 years old and I am a lung cancer survivor. I am an avid runner, I love to mountain bike, kayak, and did I mention that I am a non-smoker? That's right a non-smoker. Until my cancer diagnosis I had always considered myself

Joanna S,

It was only a few days ago on October 5 of 2016 that I found out, within one hour, that my dad and I both have cancer.

Christine H,

I am a Respiratory Therapist and I teach college level students to join the profession and be part of the LUNG FORCE to fight lung disease. My father, Kurt Sorensen, died too young because of smoking related heart disease and bladder cancer. I know w

Denise W,

This past April, my father Julius J Werner lll (Skeeter) thought he had fallen down and hurt his back. He was taken to the hospital where they did x-rays and found nothing. He went home a few days later he had a doctor appointment. The doctor was che

Shelly F,

Eighteen years ago this past Memorial Day weekend - I was miserable. I had sores all over my left leg and terrible stomach issues.

Ami M,

My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell lung cancer in June of this year. We had no idea that she was sick until she was really down. She has been through chemo and radiation and is still fighting. As my mom says she has on her boxing gloves!

Nikki U,

I'm a 35 year old non-smoker, who never smoked a day in my life that was diagnosed October 5, 2016 with NSCLC.

Andrea E,

I lost my mom four years ago to lung cancer. At the time I didn’t know the devastating statistics surrounding this disease, especially in women. I also didn’t know how quickly the disease can progress if not diagnosed early.

Karine H,

My father was diagnosed with Lung Cancer in November of 2015. He had a 2” by 2” measured tumor in the upper left part of his left lung.

Lori K,

My 43 year old boyfriend began having back pain in January of 2016. He was living in China at the time, and an X-ray at a Chinese hospital showed a large mass in his lung. The doctor, through a translator, simply said, "Go home and see your family."

Misty B,

My husband, John, and I were married on the Fourth of July in 2015, and were happy to be celebrating our marriage with the fireworks and fanfare of the national holiday. Little did we know that just two months later, at the age of 35, I would be diag

Katelyn L,

In August of 2013, tragedy struck my family as I lost my best friend, my hero, my father to the horrific powers of Stage IV Lung Cancer

Kaye P,

In 2012 I was visiting my son's family for a very happy event - the birth of their son. I had had a cough for a while and was having severe shoulder pain. I thought I had a joint issue and needed a steroid injection. I went to the ER and was shocked

Bobbi J,

I was diagnosed in 2013 with stage 3 lung cancer. I've never smoked. I didn't have symptoms. I was 39. I just gave birth to a baby girl, Katherine Grace.

Donna T,

Hard to believe that just one year ago I received a diagnosis that would change me forever. Friday, October 23, 2015. Though I am more powerful than it; it has profoundly changed me. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Adenocarcinoma in the upper rig

Ruthanne C,

My mom. She was born April 28, 1928. I loved her with all my soul. I talked to her every day. She was indeed my Best Friend. She died on October 11, 2009.

Elizabeth H,

In 2010, I broke my collarbone. A pre-op X-ray showed something on my lung. I had it checked and biopsied and it was diagnosed as lung cancer. I had the upper node of my left lung removed, which removed all of the cancer. It was staged as 1B non-smal

Judy P,

In 2002 I was diagnosed with Stage IV NSCLC, METS to my rib. I had half of my left lung removed, my rib resected, my spine dislocated, several different chemo's and radiation. Surprise! I lived.

Kay B,

In August of 2015 I was told I had lung cancer. I did not know anything was wrong with me until I had a difficult time breathing while tackling the big hill by our home on my daily morning walk. Soon I learned that my left lung was filled with fluid

Martha P,

This story is not about me. It's about my father and so many people I have loved.

Melinda B,

I was diagnosed May 5, 2014 after dealing with a lingering hacking, bad cough and no other symptoms. After it was confirmed it was cancer, I saw my oncologist and we started a treatment plan.

Susan C,

My name is Susan and I was diagnosed with lung cancer in February of 2016 following a lobectomy. I was initially staged as IIIa, but, doctors found a distant tumor prior to any treatment and changed my staging to stage IV.

Beth C,

My Dad died from lung cancer on November 8, 1993. He was 66 years old and I was 26 years old. My sister died from lung cancer in March of 2014. Too many families have been touched by this killer.

Laurie R,

My 66 year old mother was diagnosed with Limited Small Cell Lung Cancer last Thanksgiving

Valerie B,

My story is about my dear husband who was diagnosed 15 years ago with squamous cell lung cancer. He was operated on by a world famous doctor at Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital in NYC. She removed an upper lobe of my husband's lung and it was decide

Soby F,

I’m fine - probably just allergies. I often replied when people looked at me side-eyed like I had Ebola. It was just an innocent, dry cough that turned into fits when I talked too fast or laughed too hard. I felt fine. I was an active runner, non-smo

B C,

I asked my doctor for a chest X-ray and he sent me for one. It was not anything he understood so, he sent me for a PET scan which showed that I had a pea-sized growth in one lobe of my lung. They biopsied it and it was cancer.

D K,

My mother was diagnosed with lung cancer much too late. She died within months of her diagnosis.

Lyndsay L,

My mom passed away from lung cancer, at the age of 59, just 3 weeks after I had my first child and her first grandchild. She was diagnosed just 5 months prior.

Paul O,

I met my wife in 2012 and we got married March 2015 and then had our son. We were newlyweds with a baby and also a nine year old step-son and enjoying our family until she started to have a pain and her left back. We went to the doctor and they dismi

Debbie L,

On December 17, 2003 i was diagnosed with Stage 3 NSCLC. I had 2/3 of my right lung removed and over the next 6 months received radiation and chemo. I had all the side effects and was told I still only had a 5-15% chance of survival. I never had a si

Anna C,

In December of 2011 my husband Dennis of 33 years went to the doctor with a persistent cough and pain in his shoulders. After several rounds of antibiotics to treat suspected pneumonia, his cough and pain persisted. In January, he was diagnosed with

Alice P,

Coming home from an advanced step class, a telephone call from my PCP informed me that I had a sizable tumor on my skull that was working itself in. I had only slight pain in the area. My biggest symptom was that, when I brushed my hair, it sounded d

Bickie B,

I'm a Stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer warrior. I'm 60 years old and was diagnosed 7 years ago. Because I was a nonsmoker my doctors refused to even consider lung cancer. Maybe if I had the biopsy earlier I wouldn't have been diagnosed at Stage 3.

Patty C,

My name is Patty and three years ago I was diagnosed with lung cancer. This was the scariest time in my life. Whenever I have heard of lung cancer, it seemed to always be fatal. Plus, I have had several friends, and relatives who have died as a resul

Carolyn W,

Lung cancer was diagnosed in the love of my life in Nov 2010; he passed in Jan 2011.

Suzanne A,

July 2010 is when I got a diagnosis that I never would have thought possible.

Gail M,

My first recollection of my mother was with a cigarette in her hand. She smoked over 3 packs a day. Imagine this, being in a car with the windows up and experiencing second hand smoke, one cigarette lit over and over again.

Shawne P,

I suffer from lung cancer. Not because I have or had it, but my mother did and passed away over a year ago.

Melissa C,

It was July 21st, 2014. My husband and I had just taken my two sons (5 and 7 years old, at the time) to the Museum of Science and Industry. We had a great day. When I got home, I got a call from my step-mother that I and my siblings needed to go over

Kathleen M,

Lung cancer affected me before I was 16. I didn't have cancer myself but my father did. He died from lung cancer shortly after my 18th birthday in 1995, after enduring chemo and radiation - the cancer had spread everywhere.

Cheryl F,

My aunt was a smoker and passed away from lung cancer a few years ago. Please, if you smoke... Stop.. If you don't, please don't start.

Ronald E,

Cathy Elliott was my hero and my mom. She was a heavy smoker - I remember growing up asking her to quit over and over again. My sister would also ask her as well, but she was just addicted.

Katherine K,

My lung cancer was found accidentally. I was also told I have mild emphysema. I had no symptoms, no idea that I had cancer growing in my lung.

Tarena H,

Here's my story. Yes, my Dad was a smoker. But he had stopped for 20+ years ago. He died from lung cancer 2 years ago at the age of 83. Last week my 69 year old husband was diagnosed with Non-Smoker Lung Cancer! My husband has worked around aviation

Martha B,

On May 17, 2001, I was operated on for a mass in my upper left lobe. It was diagnosed as undifferentiated large cello malignancy. It was removed by a lobectomy of that lung , as well as some lymph nodes that were effected.

Sherry F,

It’s two and a half years later and I am still feeling suffocated by loss.

Joy D,

In July 2015, I was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. I was a healthy, active and hardworking 38 year old gal who was feeling run down and thought I had chest cold – or, maybe bronchitis or pneumonia at the worst.

Debra T,

She quit smoking 3 times in her life. The first time was when she was 33 and had been smoking for 23 years. She tried smoking the first time when she was just 10 years old, as did most of us – but, unlike most of us who never picked up another cigare

TJ F,

While playing college and high school football, TJ Fischer was always fearful of displaying his asthma to his team or the opposition, with the thought it would make him look weaker. So instead of using his inhaler during time off the field, he would

Nicolette I,

I'm a 23 year old, blessed, recent lung cancer survivor.

June B,

In early 2002 I was originally diagnosed with Stage 2 Uterine Cancer and had a radical hysterectomy followed by 18 rounds of radiation treatments. Over the next five years I did very well and in mid-2007 reached my 5 years cancer free. However, my ha

Nancy K,

I never thought that I would be talking about lung cancer because I never smoked. I have had three major health battles in the last few years. My first battle was cardiomyopathy, the second was a brain tumor which caused a stroke and I lost motor con

Linda R,

Lung cancer affected my life and the life of my daughter and family, because my mom died of it. She was a life-long smoker until the last ten years of her life, but I still don't know if smoking really was the cause of her death, because she also liv

Samantha H,

My dad was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in 2006. I had lost a friend the year before from small cell lung cancer, so I knew what that diagnosis meant. He had quit smoking more than 20 years before his diagnosis. He lived about a year and los

Nicole S,

I am writing on behalf of my mother Joanne Schlosser who passed away April 23, 2016 after a five month battle with Stage IV lung cancer. My mom was a smoker; we always knew she had emphysema and had to have follow up appointments. In late November of

Lori S,

"You have Stage IV lung cancer and there is no cure." I heard these words 15 years ago as I sat in a doctor's office with my mother. My healthy, strong, beautiful, non-smoking mother. Seven months later she was gone – seven months of pain, fear, and

Shirley R,

My brother was diagnosed with mesothelioma just 2 months ago. He was not aware of symptoms.

Tabatha H,

I have chosen to share my story to help society become more aware of how lung disease affects so many people -- especially in my family and possibly myself.

Wayne U,

I was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma cancer in August of 2014. It was found in my left kidney which was subsequently surgically removed. I was told that it was cancer free and of course I was much relieved.

Marian J,

Hi! My name is Marian and this is my story. In 2011, I had tests done after I broke 3 ribs. At that time, "something" was discovered in my left lung. In January of 2012, after further testing and many opinions, I had a resection of my left lung. The

Kara H, AL

I was diagnosed about 3 months ago with stage 4 adenocarcinoma (a non-small cell lung cancer). I am a 34 year old non-smoking woman. I led a very healthy lifestyle prior to this.

Donna M,

In 2008 I had a cold that wouldn't go away. That's not like me; I'm never really sick. I had a doctor appointment for the following Monday, just a check-up, when I got there and told him about my cold he listened to my lungs and immediately sent me f

Jen H,

I have non-small cell lung cancer since February of 2014. I was 67 years old then.

Phil L,

I always thought of myself as a strong person, I served in the Marines for 20 years and I believed I could overcome most anything life threw at me. I was wrong.

Sue Rusch S,

I have been through standard treatment for 2 1/2 years, including radiation and chemo. I was on Opdivo for 6 months, but it didn't work! It landed me in the hospital with a collapsed lung in February 2016! YIKES!

Julie R,

My mother was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer in October 2014 at the age of 61 years old. She was otherwise healthy and was a non-smoker so the diagnosis came as a bit of a shock to our family.

Steve C,

Thirteen years ago I watched my mother die a very unpleasant death from lung cancer. A year later I was in the E.R. twice with asthma and have allergies but am doing much better since the ALA office in Colonie New York gave me the name of a local ast

June V,

My husband and I were given a diagnosis of my having lung cancer last week, although I'd been having health issues since July that were lung-related. I'm having a couple of biopsies tomorrow on a rib and lymph nodes as it seems to have shown up on th

Dennis O,

Being diagnosed with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer in December, 2011, I thought I was given a death sentence.

Melanie M,

Days before my 50th birthday in August 2014, I went to work feeling ill, but tried to push through it. My co-workers insisted I go to the ER as I did not look well. Taking their advice, a day at the ER came with a diagnosis that I may have pneumonia.

Sally R,

I was 52 years old and woke up with an eye problem called Iritis. Thank goodness for the doctors at the Cincinnati Eye Institute; within a few weeks, I was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. I would be dead if not for the persistence of the docto

Stephanie G,

My grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer at 83, 40 years after she stopped smoking.

Angela L,

My name is Angela Lee (52 years old) and I was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer in July, 2015. I had little to no symptoms and was very active, playing sports and going to the gym every other day when I was diagnosed.

Michael H,

We all become involved with organizations like the American Lung Association for a variety of reasons. Everyone has a story to tell. I would like to take a few minutes and share my story with you as to why I got involved.

Rian V,

My struggle started when I had my first asthmatic episode at thirteen months old.

Jacqueline O,

In June of 2013 my family lost our Aunt Toni to lung cancer. Than in June of 2015 we lost our grandmother, also to lung cancer. And once again in October of 2015 we lost our father to none other than lung cancer.

Robin B,

My mom was hospitalized with severe blood clots in her neck and arm. In the process of finding the cause, the doctors found a small nodule on her lungs.

Temoore R,

May 18th of last year was the day that I lost my father. It was the day that I lost my role model, the person that taught me everything I knew. I eventually realized that he was never coming back. My family had been changed forever.

Lisa W,

My beautiful, beautiful mom and best friend lost her battle in June of 2013. She was first diagnosed with lung cancer several years prior. She was always a heavy smoker - even having a cigarette while walking in to have the upper lobe of her lung rem

Monique M,

My story starts with the shocking news that my mother, Dotty, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer on July 25, 2016. It had already spread to her bones, liver, and kidney. I had just seen my mother the weekend of June 1, 2016 doing the regular shop

Kathy S,

My family has been devastated by lung cancer. I cared for two brothers as they fought lung cancer, a battle they both lost.

Dawn L,

In 2013, my Mom was diagnosed with lung cancer. Unfortunately, it was caught at a very late stage, but even so, my sister and I stood up to lung cancer, and we let Mom know that she was not fighting this alone.

Sharon E,

I diagnosed February of 2006 Stage 3A Squamous cell non-small cell lung cancer. I was 43 years of age with three children. And I was terrified.

Susan L,

I just heard a LUNG FORCE representative speak on Line One Your Health Connection, a medical related radio program on our local public radio station. She mentioned that when someone reports that they have been diagnosed with lung cancer they are ofte

Sandra H,

Hi, my name is Sandy Helmin-Clazmer. My story dates back to 1987. I was teaching in Racine, Wisconsin and was finishing my last semester of grad school. During that time, I was plagued with a dry chronic cough and frequent bouts of laryngitis.

Ellen S,

Late in 2013, 930 miles apart, I sat on the other line of a phone call that changed our lives. My mom had just been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that had metastasized to her lymph nodes and adrenal gland. I sat in stunned silence as the doctor

Rodney T,

My father was diagnosed with lung cancer, He quit smoking in 1955. He was experiencing chest pain so he went to the doctor who ordered X-rays and CAT scans.

Tracey E,

My mother was diagnosed with Stage 1 lung cancer in May of 2015 just 5 months before my wedding.

Anne F,

My family has a long history of heart disease, so I always expected that would be my health problem to deal with. Sometimes life doesn't give you what you're expecting. I certainly never expected to get lung cancer.

Erica A,

"Ok, it's my turn." That's what ran through my head the moment the doctor gently told me its most likely lung cancer.

Angela E,

In September 2014 my Mom became ill, she would go to the doctor and be told it was a really bad cold, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc. One morning, my mom started coughing up blood, and I instantly new we were dealing with something else.

Daphne R,

My name is Daphne. I grew up on the small island of Aunu'u, American Samoa. I remember being a young teenager when my Mom, Meleke, developed an on-going cough. My Mom visited the doctor on island often to check on her cough. They either told her it w

Christina M,

My mother, Donna, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer on August 23, 2013. The lung cancer had already metastasized to bone cancer. Only 5-1/2 short weeks later, my mom passed away on October 1, 2013 at only 67 years old. The bone cancer was diagno

Jeanne B,

March 2015 I woke up with intense pain in my stomach. I rushed to the hospital where I had my gall bladder removed. The doctor gave me my X-rays and told me to see my primary doctor right away. There were two nodules on my right lung.

Harvey R,

I was told back in April of last year that I had stage 4 small cell lung cancer.

Angela N,

My sister, Tracy Ann was diagnosed with lung cancer on June 17, 2016. She passed away 6 months to the day of her diagnosis on December 17, 2016. What I don't understand about her diagnosis is, why did it take so long to get an MRI to diagnoses the di

Keisha S,

In October 2015 my mother was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer right after her 61st birthday.

Peter W,

My wife Helen and I always "clicked" throughout our 30 years of marriage. She was the love of my life and my very best friend. Together, we have two children. Helen was diagnosed with non-smoker's lung cancer on June 12th, 2013.

Jennifer J,

My story is about my aunt Helen. She was misdiagnosed at first with stage 1 lung cancer and a month later was told it was stage 4.

Maureen W,

Hi, my name is Maureen and I am the face of a lung cancer survivor!

Sophia H,

We never know when our life could end or when everything could just come crashing down and our whole existence is over. We always think we have time. We think we have 80 years on this earth but that is not always the case.

Victoria H,

Cathy Warden-Daniels and Victoria Hunter are local business owners and sisters. The Lung Force cause is very dear to their hearts. They believe early detection would have helped warn their family five years ago.

Lisa L,

I was a 46-year-old woman with a lot of life to live. An IT Technician by trade, it was my nature to fix things.

Lonny Q,

I grew up on a small farm in rural northern North Dakota, graduated from high school and joined the Army. I served my country, received honorable discharge, and returned back to North Dakota. I married my wife Lana, and together we had a daughter and

Laurie Z,

Although we have not had first-hand experience with this disease, a college classmate was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer less than five years after graduation, and died very quickly after his diagnosis, leaving his wife a widow at 23.

Jan G,

My dad was a lifelong pipe smoker, and died from lung cancer Dec. 15, 1988. Other than that, he had always been very healthy.

Pamela B,

My story begins with a doctor visit thinking I had the flu. I had been sick for over a month and could not seem to shake it. When they called me in for an X-ray consultation and she told me to bring someone with me...I knew that something was terribl

Eunice R,

On June 6,2016 I had a routine mammogram since there is a big history of breast cancer in my family; mother, sister and niece. I am pretty faithful at having a mammogram done every year.

Heather P,

Losing my mother to lung cancer has been the most difficult thing I've ever experienced in my life. Born with a cleft lip and palate, my mom was there for me and took care of me after every surgery. Being an only child brought us even closer. She was

Mary W,

Allison M, PA

Nicole H, WI

Denise M, MO

Beth M,

Beth's story really begins with her mother. In 1981, Beth's mother Rita, found out she had cancer quite by accident. Rita had fallen and thought that she may have broken a rib.

Linda W, IA

In 2013 my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, he was given six months. Six months and 12 days later he passed away on March 20, 2014.

Dorothy S,

My Mom, Franky, was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer that had metastasized to her liver in the spring of 2014. The day we learned her prognosis was 18 months changed our lives forever.

Lisa E,

I guess in the back of our minds we sometimes fear the worst, but never expect it can happen to us. Well back in the summer of 2014 I started feeling much different and not for the better. It started with a simple cough that just wouldn't go away. Ea

Elizabeth Z, IA

My Aunt Cathy began smoking before she knew the risks. She was young and it was a time when smoking was promoted as a glamorous activity.

Tia G,

My name is Tia Gray. I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in 1996. Sarcoidosis is a disease that can stop you suddenly and leave your life on pause, a disease that will bring several challenges which force you to pull from what gives you strength.

Marlene D,

I fell in April 2016 and went for an X-ray of my arm and they saw nodules on my lungs. I was lucky enough to have surgery on July 13, 2016 even though it was not in a great area to reach. One thoracic surgeon took the chance.

Aleta J,

I was just diagnosed on Jan. 20, 2017. I will be fighting this head on and I have a wonderful man, siblings, children and friends to stand behind me.

Maureen W,

One small little nodule in my husband's right lung. Just 3 cm...barely an inch in length. It was uncovered when my husband Tom, age 60, had gone to the ER in June 2015 with what we thought had been a mini-stroke. Instead of a stroke, they found two m

Jimmy S, CA

Imagine what it would feel like to take a breath when your lungs were already full of air. Try this. Take in a deep breath. Hold it in for three seconds and don’t exhale. Now try taking another breath, and another one.

Nakita G, WI

Clean air to me is a right that was taken away from me as a child. My family all smoked around me and it made me sick.

Deborah C,

A few days before my 48th birthday, I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. Luckily it was caught early enough that it didn't require chemo or radiation. However, a PET scan revealed a nodule in my lung.

Marcy A, MT

Judy M,

I was one of the lucky ones; I found my cancer by a fluke. At work one Friday, I noticed that my ankles were extremely swollen. Now women get swollen ankles -- if we are on our feet too long, wear high heels, etc. But this was different.

Jennie V,

Two time lung cancer survivor, 2003 and 2013. Ten years apart, blessed to still be here.

Jennifer S,

Hi, let me introduce myself to many that may not know me. I am Jenn and I suffer from COPD at the young age of 42 years old. I don't even know where to start, so I will start from the beginning.

Stephanie S,

Just before Thanksgiving in 2014, at age 45, I was diagnosed with lung cancer. A non-smoker, I share this story in hopes that it may help you or someone you know.

Ram K,

My father (age 85) has suddenly lost his voice. An ENT doctor suggested a CT scan, and the CT scan showed a small lump in his lungs. An oncologist suggested for a PET CT.

Janette B,

When I was 62 years old, I went to my primary care doctor for a complete physical. I wanted to have blood tests and a chest X-ray so I would have a baseline reading to refer to in future years. Because I am a former smoker, I was concerned about the

Lindsay S,

August of 2016 my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer. She was only 49. We didn't know how quickly the cancer had spread until a few weeks later.

Patricia C,

My story had been shared in 2015. I made another two years because of my wonderful MGH Oncology Team.

Mikey P,

I will never forget the moment I learned my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer. It was July 15, 2015. At that time I was living in Florida for work and was seriously contemplating a permanent relocation. It was a day like any other day. My mom and I

Carol C,

I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and tested positive with ALK gene mutation in December 2016.

Stephen M,

My name is Steve Mitchell and I am 27 years old. I am from northeast Ohio. I have always had asthma but it got worse as an adult.

Sarah N,

When you hear the word cancer it tends to make time stand still; for my family time stopped in 2013.

Stephanie E,

Three years ago, when I was 45 years old, I was diagnosed with ALK1+ lung cancer. For three months my doctors tried to find out why I was so short of breath with a chronic cough. Then I had a CT and they found multiple tumors in my lung, liver and sc

Suzana B,

My father one day in September had swollen fingers and feet and felt ok. He went to a cardiologist and pulmologist. They were treating him for rheumatoid arthritis for six months. After severe bone pain, my father was told one month ago that it was n

Shelley L,

After six months of testing in search of a diagnosis, I had thorascopic lung surgery on March 3, 2013 and was diagnosed with Stage 4 NSCLC. Subsequent diagnostic tests revealed that I have the ALK gene mutation.

Jane S,

I didn't even feel sick. All I had was a cough--a cough that just wouldn't go away. Because I had never smoked no one suspected lung cancer.

Kelley J, OR

On December 12, 2017 at 12:12 in the morning my husband lost his battle with cancer. He had been fighting for his life for less than a year, and while his family knew what the impending circumstance could be after being diagnosed with stage IV small

Taryn L,

As a family we did everything to enjoy the fresh air and take advantage of the outdoor opportunities. After graduating from the backpack and stroller, each year I learned something new.

Mackena B,

My papa was always my biggest fan and came to nearly all my races. When he was diagnosed with lung cancer, we were devastated. Just six weeks later, heaven gained an angel. In honor of my papa’s memory, I have joined LUNG FORCE to fight the #1 cancer

Carmella A,

May of 2006 my sister Linda became ill with what we thought was pneumonia. It lasted all summer long. Every time I talked with her over the phone her coughing got worse and worse. In September 2006, she finally got her doctor to send her to a pulmona

Anne P,

I was diagnosed at the age of 42. Lung cancer can easily go undetected and is particularly dangerous because it often spreads throughout the body before diagnosis.

Tricia L,

Growing up I was never very athletic and got out of breath easily. As a cheerleader, I always struggled. Once in high school while playing soccer the coaches thought I was hyperventilating, and handed me a paper bag to breathe into to recover.

Lindsey M, KY

This deficiency leaves our lungs without the normal protection most people's bodies have against air pollutants and...

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Diane M, AZ

Diane W, NC

Dianne C, MN

Dianne E, CA

Donna S, CA

Dr. Ronald K, FL

Dr. Ronda B, WI

Duane B, VA

Dulsie C, CA

Dzentis A, OH

Eduardo R, CA

Eleanor K, CO

Elizabeth K, PA

Elizabeth L, AR

Elizabeth S, OH

EllaDean B, TN

Elodia R, MI

Emily L, IL

Eric Z, OH

Erica S, FL

Erin M, TN

Felicia O, IL

Florence S, ME

Fran C, TX

Francine K, FL

Frederic C, CA

Gabriela V, UT

gael T, MI

Gale W, CA

George H, VA

George W, WA

Georgia B, TX

Gerry O, IL

Gerry P, IL

Ginger W, OR

Glenna S, UT

Gloria H, PA

Grace C, NH

GRACIE K, LA

GUSTAVO R, FL

Harish K, IL

Harriet I, TX

Harry B, PA

Helen and Jeff S, OH

Helen K, NV

Howard H, FL

Ivy S, FL

J K, PA

Jackie L, OH

Jacob D, KS

Jacquelyn W, OH

James B, GA

James F, MA

James S, OH

Jamie B, OK

Jane A, TX

Jane R, CA

Janet R, AZ

Janet V, NH

Janie M, IN

Janis T, MD

Jareen S, CA

Jaye S, CA

Jean G, CA

Jean M, ID

Luz Jeannette L, NJ

Jelene T, GA

Jennifer F, OH

Jennifer H, PA

Jennifer W, NY

Jesse Q, CA

Jillian S, FL

Joan K, NJ

Joan W, AZ

Joe P, NJ

John H, PA

John H, VA

John S, CA

john W, CA

Johnell C, IL

Jordan B, UT

Joseph L, IL

Joyce W, NY

Jude S, PA

Judy P, AK

Judy F, CA

Judy M, OH

Julia L, CA

Julia S, AL

Julie F, PA

K D, CA

Karen A, OR

Kasandra L. B, CA

Kat Q, MT

Kate B, CO

Kathe M, GA

Kathleen B, NY

Kathleen B, OH

kathleen F, WI

Kathleen K, TX

Kathy B, TX

Kathy C, NM

Kay M, VA

Kevin H, OH

Kevin J, NJ

kimberly H, TN

Kitty L, FL

krista S, CO

Krystal S, NY

Krysten G, IL

Laura K, NC

Laura P, TX

Laura W, IN

Leisa R, GA

Linda S, MD

Linda I, TN

Linda M, ID

Linda P, CO

Linda R, SC

Linda R, SC

Linda S, GA

Linda W, IL

Lindsey W, IL

Lisa A, CA

Lisa D, MI

Lisa F, MT

Lisa K, OH

Logan V, DE

Loraine M, OH

Lori P, MA

Lorraine M, MA

Lorrene F, OR

Lou J, SC

Louise V, AZ

Lucas R, CA

Lucia M, HI

Lucille M. D, TX

Lucy P, CO

Lydia R, CA

Lynn F, FL

Lynn H, CA

Madalyn M, DC

Marcy B, MA

Margaret W, NY

Maria P, NY

Maria Tatiana P, FL

maria tatiana P, FL

Marieliz G, IL

Marilee F, IL

marina W, CA

Marla T, TX

Martha R, CT

Martin F, TX

Mary J, FL

Mary Beth H, KY

Mary Grace M, AL

Mary K, VA

Mary M, MO

Mary M, MT

Mary T, PA

Masheka A, VA

Matt B, PA

Matt B, PA

Matt L, PA

Max F, OH

Meghan F, IL

Megn M, CA

Melissa T, PA

Michael D. O, MT

Michelle A, PA

Michelle K, PA