I grew up at the beach in Wildwood, New Jersey. After high school I went on to Cabrini University in Radnor, Pennsylvania. I have four children and reside in Charlotte, North Carolina. In 2005, I turned 40 and completed an Ironman Triathlon. Shortly thereafter there was so much pain in my left hip and I had to miss my youngest son’s First Holy Communion. I was so overwhelmed with emotions knowing something wasn't right. I went to the doctor and ended up being diagnosed with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer. I was shocked and when the doctor gave me my prognosis I was determined to not believe it. While I was in a state of disbelief because I was in the best shape of my life I knew in my spirit I would overcome this diagnosis. I had six rounds of chemotherapy and was on Tarceva for three years. During this time my biggest supporters were my family, friends, and my faith. My follow- up scans were considered clean for about two years. In 2007, I had a left hip replacement. I survived my lung cancer but realized her running days had ended. In 2008, I had a lobectomy on my right lung. After that I continued to go to regular check-ups and scans every six months. Fifteen years after my diagnosis my doctors no longer required me to see them. I had many inspirations along my journey some of the biggest ones are meeting others experiencing similar situations and lending each other support. Lung Cancer Initiative has helped me throughout my journey by keeping hope when I read others stories. The best piece of advice I can give anyone relates to my overall perspective on life, I choose to stay thankful. I choose to look for the good in each person and situation. I choose joy!