Hi friends,
Today marks five years since I was diagnosed with stage IV ALK-positive lung cancer. Can you believe it? Five whole years! With an initial prognosis of less than a year, I'm still here, deeply grateful for every moment, especially watching my daughter Maria grow and thrive.
Reflecting on these past years, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Despite the challenges, I’ve had the joy of watching Maria’s competitive and strong spirit flourish (I wonder where she gets that from!?). I’ve cherished our deep conversations, admired her natural talents in art and sports, and celebrated countless precious moments. My amazing husband has been my rock, standing by me through all the ups and downs (and there were plenty!). I'm also deeply thankful for the love and support from my wonderful family and friends. Your encouragement has been my strength. It feels so good to be loved, perhaps one of the few perks of being diagnosed with cancer, as I have felt this love from so many — from my college buddies to my neighbors in the US. Your support means the world to me. THANK YOU!
Research has given me time—precious, invaluable time. I am currently on Alectinib, a drug that has been my lifeline. Think of Alectinib as a trusty umbrella during a rainy day. It keeps me dry and moving forward. But like any umbrella, it’s not permanent. Current treatments prolong life but don’t offer a cure. As resistance looms, the need for a breakthrough becomes more pressing than ever. Every day, I and other ALK patients face the uncertainty of our future. But within our struggles lies a shared determination—to overcome, to thrive, and to dream of a cancer-free tomorrow.
In honor of ALK Positive Awareness Month, we’re raising $500,000 for breakthrough cancer research. Your donation, no matter the size, can make a difference. It can help turn a terminal diagnosis into a chronic condition, giving us more moments, more memories, and more life.
Join us in this fight. Let’s #CollabForACure and give hope to all ALK-positive patients.
With love and gratitude,
Carla