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.

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

JaVonne H, IL

I received a phone call while on vacation that my brother had been hospitalized because his leg gave away. He could no longer walk on that leg.

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.

John B, NH

I don't have cancer, but I hope I never will. I have seen firsthand how painful and devastating cancer is not just for the person dying, but on family members, children, parents, siblings, friends and other relatives.

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.

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

Margaret B, MA

Here's a photo and an email message from my mother, who died of lung cancer 7 years ago, after a lifetime of smoking.

Erin H, OH

My dad was diagnosed with liver cancer in November 2011. Not long after my family's world was rocked, we found out his liver cancer came from stage 4 lung cancer and the only option we had was chemo for symptom relief.

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.

Craig L, FL

I found out I had lung cancer in September, 2006 after having a chest X-ray to rule out pneumonia when I couldn't shake an upper respiratory infection.

Elisabeth B, CT

I had always been a nervous person so naturally I took up smoking. My parents smoked and they were from the thirties so they did not yet know the harm.

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.

Leya T, TX

My dad has Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. He was diagnosed earlier this year and it has changed our family forever.

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..

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.

Rachael S, AL

This is how i got my husband cured of CANCER deadly disease, i was searching online some weeks back, i saw a comment saying that he got all the herbal cure for any kind of disease, which i contacted him

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

Geneva C,

Diagnosed with stage 4 Lung Cancer. Cancer Treatment Center of America in Phoenix Undergoing treatment Mom was Cancer free (in remission) Cancer reappeared in a small area on her rib. Currently undergoing treatment again. Team Rosenda at Lung Force

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

Sandra H,

I have had 2 close friends die from emphysema and one from lung cancer. I have asthma from bronchitis and have to "inhale" before any exercise. I have never smoked!

Tiffany C,

I have asthma and my husband's grandfather passed away from lung cancer. We really appreciate all of the work that the LUNG FORCE is doing!

Lynne G,

I lost my mom to small cell lung cancer last year. LUNG FORCE Walk day 2015 in Louisville would have been her 83rd birthday.

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.

Pearl P,

I have 2 grandchildren with asthma, my mother has COPD, my father died due to lung cancer. I participated in the LUNG FORCE Walk because of the above reasons. Also, I have a co-worker who is currently fighting lung cancer. I take care of residents wh

Amanda H,

My mom battled COPD for 14 years before being diagnosed with lung cancer. It was a long hard road for her as well as her family members. We walk in the LUNG FORCE Walk in her memory and continue her fight for awareness.

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.

Vanessa G,

I've lost 4 family members to lung cancer. It was hard to watch someone I love and look up to battle it.

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.

Elaine S,

My three kids and I know what it feels like to struggle to breathe. We all have asthma. We don't like to take air for granted. My uncle was recently diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. We have a new reason to raise awareness.

Ron D,

My wife was diagnosed lung cancer, never was a smoker. 2009 diagnosis and I took care of her until the end. Together 40 years.

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!

Sally G,

I was diagnosed with lung cancer and had surgery in August 2013. Six months later, I climbed 38 flights to the top of Louisville's National City Tower in just over 16 minutes!

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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

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, UT

I was diagnosed with stage 3A lung cancer in 2007.  My father died of lung cancer at age 74, so you can imagine how frightened I was with my own diagnosis. 

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

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

Alisa B,

My name is Alisa and I am a lung cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 lung cancer at 43 years of age, in July of 2000, just a few months after my mom passed away of lung cancer. It still boggles my mind to this day that I was taking care of

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

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.

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,

I was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2014 despite my internist insisting I was healthy and did not need the recently-introduced low-dose CT scan that I requested.

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.

Stephanie F,

The diagnosis of small cell lung was confirmed in December, 2015. “Please, not small cell. Anything, but that.” It was more than an immediate thought. I actually said it to my doctor. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is among the most feared diagnoses.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Carol A,

I was diagnosed last year with COPD, and an aneurysm on my heart. I was a smoker for years etc.

Elisabeth L,

My Mimi was just 63 years old when she heard the devastating words "you have stage iv non-small lung cancer."

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.

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

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, LA

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.

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

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

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,

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Sandi J,

I began smoking when I was 16. It turned into a two pack-a-day habit I had for 30 years. I tried many times to quit, with success lasting from six hours to six months.

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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Tammy B,

As many people have termed it, my diagnosis of metastatic lung cancer was every single mother's worst nightmare and came out of the blue.

Ashely K,

So, my mom has always been the one to take care of family; the impervious one who could never get sick even if she tried...or so we thought. Moms are supposed to be the ones to take care of us, I assumed I would have at least 20 more years before I h

Zoe P, VA

Michael M,

Sandra C,

Jennifer A,

One summer, I had a cough that just wouldn't go away. It seemed to get worse over the course of a month.

MJ

I am 50 years old and have smoked for 38 of those years. Before that my dad smoked in the car, the house, wherever he was.

Kelly C,

Dennis McGorry, Sr. was a healthy, active family physician still working in his 70s and keeping up his decades old habit of 5 a.m visits to the gym every morning. He played golf frequently, traveled and was always attending one of his eight grandkids

Mary H,

In middle school I always got out of breath doing exercise and we thought nothing of it. When I got bronchitis in 10th grade it never got better with medication.

Vivian R,

Cathy B,

"You have Stage 3 lung cancer." When I heard my diagnosis four and a half years ago, I immediately remembered my mother and her death from lung cancer 22 years ago. She died two weeks after her diagnosis while I remain cancer-free almost five years l

Janet M,

I have been diagnosed with cancer twice. The first time was for breast cancer in 2009. The second time was for lung cancer in 2013 after a routine exam. I had surgery shortly after my diagnosis and am currently in remission! Along with being a lung c

Nancy V,

In 2009, after coughing uncontrollably for years, I started to develop back pain and was coughing up blood. I brought myself to the hospital where, after several tests, I was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer. In complete disbelief, I immedia

Laura W,

When I was just 12 years old, I lost my beloved Grandpa (Gordon Bailey) to lung cancer. He was a life-long smoker.

Adam K,

After spending 39 days on the island of Fiji competing in, and winning, Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X in 2016, I returned home to be with my mother, Susie, who had been battling stage 4 lung cancer. Just one hour after I returned home, my mom lost

Deborah C,

Rebecca R,

I was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in June of 2015. I had lost my own mother to metastatic lung cancer in 1986.

EvaMarie M,

It was Ash Wednesday and I was picking up pizza and then going to church to get ashes when my phone rang. It was my mom.

Maureen A,

When my sister was 30 years old, she made an appointment with her general practitioner, suspecting she had a case of bronchitis. Her doctor was concerned, and ordered an x-ray and later a biopsy of her lung.

Angela O,

Before May 2014, I had never been affected by lung cancer. I didn't know anyone who had been diagnosed with it and I certainly didn't know anyone who had died from it. All of that has changed in such a profound and dramatic way.

Susan B,

In November 2015 I was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. Like many, the diagnosis was unexpected and prompted an array of responses that ranged from sadness, complete confusion and absolute uncertainty.

Roberta S,

Jill F,

My story is a bit complicated, and started long before I was diagnosed with lung cancer, but in the interest of time I will keep it short.

Rhianna M,

December 3, 2015; the Day my life forever changed. My mother was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer in December of 2014. She was being treated by Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida for other health concerns when we were informed of a suspicious nod

Roberta S,

My way of giving back to the community -- I attended a local Zumbathon in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania a few weeks ago sponsored by LUNG FORCE, to honor three of my family members who died of lung cancer and emphysema.

Maria L,

I am a 49 years old and a two time breast cancer survivor. In April 2017 my pet scan revealed a nodule in my left upper lobe.

Alice M, CA

Helene D,

My friend Gayle was a strong, energetic, in control woman who didn't take nonsense from anyone and was struck by lung cancer and passed three months later.

Joy P,

I live with a chronic lung disease called asthma. I have been an asthmatic my entire life but asthma does not define me; it is just something that I live with. Live being the key word.

Kim O,

My story began in March of 2016. Durning routine physical, suspicion led to an immediate mammogram, ultrasound and a three-dimensional mammogram. My cancer presented as breast cancer initially. A second opinion then suggested lung cancer and/or both.

Carol T, LA

My name is Carol Taylor. In October 1979 my dad lost his battle with lung cancer. As a young woman, I was in a place in my life where I did not realize what he was going through as he fought this battle. I had never seen anyone go through lung cancer

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.

Wendi L, MS

I am parent-less now thanks to lung cancer. I am a registered nurse and I couldn't keep them alive. My father died four years ago at the age of 67 of Small Cell Carcinoma of the lungs.

Julie C, IL

My mom, Mary, was diagnosed with Stage IV SCLC right after my wedding. She selflessly didn't tell me about it until I got back from my honeymoon in order to ensure I went.

Andrea H, NV

I lost a dear friend to COPD in 2013. It is so easy to take something as simple as breathing for granted, but it's not so simple for everyone.

Penny N, NV

My high school classmate found out three years into their military career that he had lung cancer. He never smoked a day in his life.

Nancy M, NV

I had lung cancer with 18 lymph nodes (clear & negative). I lost 20% of upper lung lobe. I owe my life to the tons of anti-oxidants and my new diet I eat - plus going to the gym and exercise is key.

Angela C, VA

My name is Angela. I'm 46 year old. I first was impacted by lung cancer at an early age seven, to be exact. I lost my grandfather to this disease in 1978.

Mary M, PA

My mother was a smoker all of her life. She died three years ago of lung cancer. This is the most difficult thing to go through as a family member watching your loved one whittle away in front of your eyes.

David G, CA

In March 2017, I went to see my GP for coughing and he suggested I get a lung x-ray, which I haven't had in years. Didn't think I needed one since I was a non-smoker. The x-ray came back showing a 2.5 cm mass on my upper right lobe.

Tracey S, CO

My mother passed away April 3, 2017 after a three-year fight with lung cancer. My grandfather passed away June 2, 2017 from lung cancer and my dad has COPD.

Kristi C, ID

I lost both my mom and my grandma to lung cancer, and they were not smokers. Within six weeks of diagnosis, after just a month in hospice my grandma died, and my mom only got one year after her diagnosis. She was only 62.

Ashley K, WI

In August of 2016 my mom developed a cough that eventually caused her to go meet with her doctor. She was told that she had bronchitis, was given medication and sent home to rest. When her cough persisted she went back to her doctor and was then sent

Kellee M, FL

On Dec. 11, 2014, my mom was having chest pain for a couple hours and it was very difficult to breathe, so she went to the hospital and asked my dad to meet her there. The hospital ran some tests thinking it was her heart but all checked out good the

Linda K, PA

My name is Linda and I'm an ex-smoker. Sadly, I have always, until recently, felt that I had to add this as a preface or add a postscript to any conversation I had regarding my health. As if somehow I deserved anything that was wrong with me.

Sara J, SC

July 22, 2016; the day my mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer and our lives were turned upside down. We were shocked. Speechless. Scared. Sad.

Rebecca M, NY

Linda S, FL

It is with many blessings, prayers, family, friends and very special doctors and surgeons that I am here to share my story. I was a closet smoker for approximately 20 years. I began coughing every morning and feeling pain in my chest. I knew then tha

Diane P, MA

Frank C, GA

Let me start by saying I've never smoked or been around folks that smoke. Two days before Thanksgiving 2015 I broke out in hives...200-300 hives, which led me to my dermatologist. I'd had chronic hives for years, but they'd been under control.

Linda D, IL

I am an RN who works on lung cancer screening at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Here is my story about why and how I became an advocate for lung cancer screening.

Jody M, NY

My mother is battling lung cancer at the moment. She is in stage 1 right now and it is a hard road to watch a loved one sick from this awful disease.

Nita S,

"You're only faced with challenges you're equipped to handle." I don't remember when I first heard that but I was very young at the time, and it left an impression. Because I sailed through the early years of my life with very few problems, I suspect

Stacy F,

Last winter,&nbsp;I got a bad cold that just wouldn't end. After a few weeks of coughing nonstop and feeling awful, I went to see the doctor and I was prescribed antibiotics for bronchitis.&nbsp;A couple of weeks later, nothing had changed, so I did

Diane A,

About six years ago my local medical center offered a free low-dose CT scan of the lungs. I decided, as a former smoker, who smoked for almost 40 years that I should do it.

Laurie B, FL

I moved to North Florida to help my sister go through her cancer experience with chemo and radiation. When she completed her treatments I decided to visit a doctor myself (it had been 1.5 years since I saw a dotcter) and then my journey began.

Patty G, AK

In March 2004, I was on a training run preparing for my 12th marathon, when all of a sudden, I had trouble breathing.

Wendi H, IN

On August 30, 2016 my mom lost her battle with small cell lung cancer. Her battle started with her diagnosis in January 2014.

Sandy G,

I started smoking at an early age and smoked a pack a day for 35 years. I lost my father and my older sister to lung cancer&nbsp;and only wish that they would have been able to take advantage of the Low Dose CT Scan that may have helped save their li

Heather G, FL

Janan T, FL

Pamela B,

Nancy K,

Carol M, FL

Kathy L, TN

Eva Marie F,

Frank F,

Cora H, TN

Lung cancer became a name in my world in 1994 when my maternal grandmother was diagnosed at the age of 49.

Karen W, ND

In January 2015, the company I worked for offered lung cancer screening as part of the preventative program. I was a smoker of over 40 years so jumped at the chance.

Cindy W, LA

In early 2015, I was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis. The disease progressed rapidly and by the end of 2015 I was on oxygen 80 percent of my day and my test results were declining.

Carol S, WA

Samantha W, PA

It was in August of 2010, when my whole life came crashing down. I just got back from Myrtle Beach with my best friend's family. My parents were acting strange when I left, but I didn't think anything of it. I got a text from my mom right before we c

Gail S, AZ

Becky Z, AZ

Jamie C, PA

Patty C, MI

My name is Patty C. and I live in Michigan. I am a fortunate lung cancer survivor thanks to early detection.

Clifford C, GA

A backwards story. I was never informed by my healthcare providers of this scan despite fitting the parameters for it. In July 2016, I was tired, but feeling OK. No cough, no hemoptysis, but I was having some memory issues and visual issues.

Teresa U, IN

In December of 2015 my husband asked me to take advantage of a $49 lung scan at Ball Hospital in Muncie, Indiana. Being a smoker I thought it was a good idea.

Nance K, MN

I was always aware that smoking could cause lung cancer, but always you think it will not happen to you! I was part of an experimental program, to do the scan for three years.

Donna Q, PA

A CT scan was done of my heart and a nodule was found in each lung. Each was stage 1, not related to one another.

Sandra G, AZ

My name is Sandra and I wanted to share how lung cancer has affected my life. I grew up in the '60s in a smoking household, so it wasn't surprising that I took up smoking myself as a teenager.

Deterice M, LA

I walk and support lung cancer after finding out my mother had it. I often read about lung cancer and how the disease has affected so many lives.

Martha M, PA

This cancer journey began in December 2015. I had pain in my back like I broke a rib. I called my doctor and she did an x-ray and there it was -- a 4.6 cm mass. I was devastated. I have young children and want to be here for them, so I said I will st

Melissa A, LA

I am walking in support of one of the strongest, smartest, sweetest women I have ever known: my best friend's mother and many others that suffer from this horrible disease.

Michael P, NY

My mom was diagnosed with lung cancer and was only given six months. She fought for two years after until she could no longer fight.

Lisa P, WI

Little did I know that the pain I was feeling in my right shoulder would be the start of my cancer journey but that is how it all started.

Sarah P, UT

Eveling C, LA

Hi, my Name is Eveling W. Chess, and I smoked cigarettes for over 20 years. I was diagnosed with lung cancer in March 2015.

Tawny F, OR

A non-smoker and not exposed to second-hand-smoke, my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer on Sept. 11, 2012. She had an upper lobectomy and underwent chemotherapy and radiation and was declared cancer-free by June of 2013. Our entire family was thrill

Deb B, WI

Deb was not a stranger to cancer. At 38, she was diagnosed with stage one uterine cancer and given a good prognosis. However, 14 years later in 2008, cancer metastasized through her system and she was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.

Judie M,

Both my father and my sister died at age 72 of lung cancer. They both had smoked for many years. While I also smoked for a few years, I've been quit for over 30 years. I may still get lung cancer, but by quitting smoking, my quality of life drastical

Angel H,

Participating in lung events is very important to me because I lost my mom, Laura Anderson, to lung cancer on December 1, 2012.

Ashley D,

I was the full time caregiver for my grandmother. She was diagnosed on August 1, 2014 and passed away February 17, 2015.

Stacey C,

Stacey S, AL

Howard Shaw (Team Poone) was a 54-year-old who had a late diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer.

Rhonda H, MI

My son (25 years old) has asthma and my father has COPD. My mother was recently diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that is inoperable and incurable.

Markita H, MI

I, myself, suffer with asthma. I was diagnosed when I was 29. My father passed when I was 33 from lung cancer. My mother passed when I was 42 from lung and colon cancer.

Ronald M, MI

I survived the past two years of chemo for stage IV lung cancer.

Judy S, MI

My sister was diagnosed on August 1, 2017 with small cell lung cancer. I am tying to learn as much as I can to help fight this disease.

Laurine B, MI

My husband, Andy, has had lung cancer two times and is now in remission.

Danielle B,

I believe I am a lung force hero because I personally have been impacted by lung disease. When I was just in 7th grade I lost my grandfather to pulmonary fibrosis which is a disease that causes the lungs to harden.

Ralph S, IL

Denise M, TX

My name is Denise. When I was 53 years old, I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer of the right lung. It was November 7, 2014. I had a malignant pleural effusion (MPE) that was found after months of symptoms and doctors appointments.

Grace M, NM

I began working with American Lung Association in 2015, after the death of my mother Donna, who had lung cancer.

Vickie D, CA

In 2014, my doctor told me I had lung cancer. Needless to say I was shocked and couldn't believe it. Why? How could this be? It was a gut-wrenching moment. But soon enough, my reaction turned to, "Okay, so what's next and how do I fight this cancer."

Stephanie S, NV

My mother was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016. That was one of the worse days that I had ever experienced. The agony of watching my mother deteriorate was heart wrenching as well as eye opening.

Michelle S, NH

Many of us have either lived with or watched a loved one struggle with lung disease. My own personal experience with it began when I was 11. I lost my grandmother to lung cancer.

Seana Z, CA

This is the face of lung cancer. I walk because I am proof that it can happen to anyone and we need to unite and find a cure.

Nellie S, FL

Before cancer, doctors were not a thought for me. I was considered a very healthy and active woman. But lung cancer doesn't discriminate against, nonsmokers, age or gender.

Diana A, LA

Margo F,

Margo's journey began with Thanksgiving day 2015. Later that day she began experiencing difficulty breathing so she went to the hospital to have her injury(s) assessed. The x-ray showed that she had two fractured ribs, and it also revealed nodules pr

Frank S, NE

I'm 38 years old and have been surviving a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis since June 2014. So much of lung cancer advocacy has been about smoking cessation, but I'm here to tell you that non-smokers get lung cancer too!

Kimberly Y, IN

My name is Kimberly Young, and I am a lung cancer survivor! I was smoker, and for many years I had heard people said more people get lung cancer that don't smoke than people who do smoke, so I formed in my mind that since I was a smoker I probably wo

Keishan M, FL

Every so often, you will get a call or email from me, inviting you to "Join us as we make lung cancer a cause people care about, and act on." Recently, I received an email that was very impactful, and made me want to share why LUNG FORCE is important

Nadia A, GA

In October of 2014 my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer. She gave me the life-changing news when I was about to board a plane traveling back home from California to Atlanta.

Kathy L, WA

My name is Kathy. My journey the last four years has brought me to serve on the Leadership Council for the Oregon American Lung Association. My mission is to advocate for all the lung cancer survivors today.

Murty M, CA

I am a scientist and was diagnosed with the affliction of COPD during my 55th year. I have been under the care of very good primary and pulmonary physicians for the last 33 years.

Stephanie H, WI

This story is about my mother who was diagnosed with COPD. She was not aware of having this chronic disease until the year of 2011.

Jeanne B, MA

Robert P, AZ

My journey began very suddenly in November 2015 with several hospitalizations and surgeries to treat an elbow wound of unknown origin.

Tina C, AL

I'm Tina Castello, thank you so much for allowing me to share my story.

Eileen C, VT

In December 2004, at the age of 58 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The tumor was found as the result of an ultrasound.

Stephen T, KY

My name is Steve Tong a native and long term resident of Louisville. Kentucky. In the latter part of 2014, my mother Betty suggested that I participate in a test she had recently seen in Today's Woman magazine that she consistently read. The test was

Paul W, KS

In May 2015, my life was normal as I enjoyed a successful career, family and social life. That was about to change. The third week of May I noticed my breathing was not quite what I thought it should be.

Margaret P, CA

I started smoking as a teen. That was fifty-seven years ago. I KNEW that I had COPD after many X-rays over the years. I did not have many symptoms other than shortness of breath, at times and had several bouts with pneumonia.

Sara G, IA

My mother, Raelene, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in April 2010. Before her diagnosis, experience shortness of breath and persistent bronchitis. She went through many rounds of antibiotics and they weren't working.

Dara G, AK

The summer of 1973, only a few weeks before I turned 13, my family moved to a small town in eastern Oregon. We lived a couple blocks from the park and swimming pool where my first weekend in town I saw Sam at a swim meet. If he were here today, he wo

LaKesha J, GA

My name is La’Kesha Johnson, and I am a survivor, fighter and mother. While having a chest CT Scan administered for a non-related issue, a nodule was detected on my right lung on Friday, September 12, 2014. After a follow-up CT scan confirmed the nod

Timothy A, CA

Fifteen years ago, my wife and I were blessed with our second child, also our first daughter, Ashley Nicole Adams. One day, her mother and I noticed that she was easily winded while playing and had difficulty breathing.

Martha H, IL

Ever since I was a little girl, I've been surrounded by tobacco use. Even now as I enjoy retirement, tobacco continues to affect my life.

Kimberley S, AZ

I will be walking with my family in support of my husband who was just diagnosed with small cell carcinoma in July. This type of lung cancer has no cure but it is treatable. He has spent many days away from home due to getting sick and having to be a

Marvin C, CA

Tina M, VT

I was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer in June of 2016. This has impacted my life considerably. I am confident that I will beat this, I have to for my boys.

Rae S, NJ

In the fall of 2013, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset was running a promotion advertising on the radio. On my way home one night I actually paid attention to the ad. "Come in and for $99, have a lung scan," the ad said.

Doris C, NC

My journey began in the fall of 2015. In September, while vacationing in Colorado, I completed a difficult rated hike. It was my first time at such a high altitude and I was nervous, but I didn’t have any problems completing the hike.

Debra F, AL

On December 24, 2002 my father was diagnosed with lung cancer. He was treated with chemo and radiation but died on June 7, 2003. That day changed my family's life forever.

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

Noreen P, NY

I am here today on a whim. I’ll never forget it, it was a simple question I ask my doctor, and a simple response that saved my life. I was smoke free for a little over a year after being a pack a day smoker for thirty plus years.

Thomas C, DE

Beatriz S, FL

Hi, I'm Beatriz Sarmiento. I am 84 years old. I had emphysema for the past 12 years, and I am also a twice left lung cancer survivor.

Tina A, AL

My journey started December of 2016. I had a regular PCP visit for which I was being treated for chronic back pain (thoracic area). The medication I was taking was not working as well as it should so my doctor said, "Let's just do an x-ray and see if

Barb R, MA

My story begins with a persistent cough that was diagnosed as pneumonia with no x-ray done. The medication I was given did not work, back to the doctor (twice), more medication that still did not help.

Darlene B, PA

I was very tired so my medical doctor ordered a sleep study for me and then the suggested I go see a lung doctor. I had slight sleep apnea the doctor suggested If I would want to be tested for lung cancer screening because I was over 50 and been smok

Sam Z, AL

In November of 2017 my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. It has truly hit home for me and it hurts me deeply that I cannot help. I want to raise awareness for such a terrible disease to help prevent this feeling for others!

Jeffrey T, VT

My story begins in the summer of 2009 when I had an appointment with my doctor for a severe cough after eating. My doctor told me I needed to change my diet and lose weight, which I did.

Lydia J, IN

I've learned several things since being diagnosed with lung cancer in March 2016. You must advocate for yourself, the disease is not just for smokers, it's not an automatic death sentence, and it causes you to prioritize your life. I began coughing b