My first grandchild turned 13 on June 1st. . My second was born in early December, almost exact one month after I found out I had lung cancer. For the first two weeks of my diagnosis,
I thought I might only have 18 months to 2 years to live. I thought about my older grandchild, who I would not see graduate from high school or college, and the baby, would I even get to see him
learn to talk? When I found out I had ALK lung cancer and got my first scans to know that my treatment was working, the first thing I thought was... maybe I can see Bjorn (the baby) graduate from high school!
I am so glad to know that ALK + research is ongoing. When my current treatment ceases to be effective, I hope there is another treatment available. I hope in my lifetime ALK+ lung cancer will go from being a
terminal condition, to a manageable chronic condition. I want to be around for my grandkids for a long, long time.
ps- Our zucchini won first place in the Largest Zucchini Contest at the Westminster West Fair the year of this photo :)
I have been a State Representative for six years, representing three towns in Southern VT. When I was diagnosed with Stage 3B lung cancer I wasn't sure if I would even be able to complete my current term, which ends in early January 2027. As it turns out, my body is responding very well to targeted therapy (& kale smoothies & giant salads & taichi everyday). I have never felt better and in May I filed paperwork with the Secretary of State's office to run for re-election. Hoping to keep serving my community for the next two years.
I lobbied Bernie, (with my son) at the Go2 for Lung Cancer Day on the Hill in DC, as well as my State Rep Becca Balint and my Senator Peter Welch in early March. (They are all supportive of the 60M ask that nearly 200 of us gave to our federal delegations as they consider budget priorities). I value going to conferences to learn and to connect with other survivors and advocates. I have so much gratitude to all who came before me to get advocacy and support groups going to help those newly diagnosed, as well as to help people along the way on their cancer journey as their situation changes. Please help support ALK+ Positive in our June ALK fund drive. You could be saving my life as well as furthering Science that can save or prolong life for thousands of us.
This photo is of women I met at the Hope Summit Lungevity Conference in Dallas in early May 2026. The conference was outstanding, with lots of useful workshops offered by doctors, socisl workers, survivors and more. I was so glad to be able to connect with so many people living with lung cancer, to learn , to laugh, to plan for the future together.
I was diagnosed with lung cancer on Halloween 2025 and found out it was caused by the ALK+ mutation a couple weeks later. I started on targeted therapy the the third week in November and almost instantly my "cancer cough" went away, (my only symptom) and at my last scan six weeks ago my Lorlatinib showed that it has been working its scientific magic as I only had one small spot of cancer left appearing on the scan (when I originally had six). The research & treatment options for genetic mutation caused cancers are progressing at a very rapid rate which is so important. I am grateful to the ALK+ community who have pulled together to fund and facilitate not only life-extending, life saving research but also a whole range of supportive services (offered by volunteers living with ALK+ or their loved ones). Support & writing groups, chair yoga, ALKtalks & even a conference all are organized by my amazing ALK+ family. This support was essential when I was first diagnosed with this disease, as I quickly connected with people who could answer my early questions & then once I got my footing, I could transition to the advocacy side. I lobbied Bernie, (with my son) at the Go2 for Lung Cancer Day on the Hill in DC, as well as my State Rep Becca Balint and my Senator Peter Welch in early March. (They are all supportive of the 60M ask that nearly 200 of us gave to our federal delegations as they consider budget priorities). I value going to conferences to learn and to connect with other survivors and advocates. I have so much gratitude to all who came before me to get advocacy and support groups going to help those newly diagnosed, as well as to help people along the way on their cancer journey as their situation changes. Please help support ALK+ Positive in our June ALK fund drive. You could be saving my life as well as furthering Science that can save or prolong life for thousands of us.