Rachael M., MN

My name is Rachael. I define myself by being a strong mother, wife, military service member and career woman. I was a former collegiate and national team athlete who has never smoked or done a drug in my life. I continue to make healthy lifestyle choices including organic gardening, exercise, prayer and essential oils.

On April 21, 2017 my world flipped upside down when I was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma with metastasis to the brain and lymph. With little to no symptoms I believed it was stage 1. Well, little to my surprise I am much farther along, but what's a number? To me a number is only the level of fight and the desire you hold to take that fight on. I believe in every situation there are two choices; give in and give up on life, or accept God's challenge and forge ahead finding a new purpose in life including finding a way to make positive change.

I have accepted the latter and I am beginning my new life's work by partnering with the American Lung Association to raise awareness, find a cure and bring about change! I believe every battle is worth smiling for and I hope through Lung awareness we can bring change and a cure. Together let's reduce that "#1 killer of women" to "#1 survival rate for women".