In 2022, my dear friend Amanda's life took a sudden turn when she was diagnosed with ALK positive stage 4 lung cancer, just 10 days after giving birth to her twins. Despite this unimaginable news, Amanda has shown incredible strength, resilience, and love—not only for her family but also for others facing the same battle.
I met Amanda in 2019 while I was working as a receptionist and studying for my real estate license. Amanda saw my drive and ambition and took me under her wing as her assistant and mentee. Over time, she became more than just my mentor—she became my sister. Amanda’s independence, tenacity, and calm demeanor in the face of adversity continue to inspire me every day.
Even as she fights this illness, Amanda’s superpower is her ability to care for others and be an incredible mother, wife, and stepmom to her beautiful boys and her husband. She finds joy and humor in the little moments, and she somehow still manages to juggle everything with grace—her real estate business, her family, her personal health, and even her passion for running. In fact, Amanda will be running a 10K alongside me, while I’ll be doing a 5K.
Amanda’s diagnosis has made me realize just how crucial lung cancer research is. Right now, Amanda is taking a medication called Alecena, a targeted treatment that has kept her health steady. But the research behind this drug is new, and many more breakthroughs are needed. Amanda has not only embraced her own battle, but she’s also become an advocate, joining the board for ALK Positive research and starting a blog to share her journey.
By supporting my 5K, you’ll be raising funds that directly impact research and treatments for people like Amanda. Your donation will help fund new medications and research to give patients more time and better quality of life.
One of Amanda’s favorite quotes by Dana Reeve reminds us of the importance of resilience:
“There will be many choices before you, some of which you’ll welcome and celebrate, and then there will be some over which you will anguish. Some choices will choose you. How you face these choices, these turns in the road, with what kind of attitude, more than the choices themselves, is what will define the context of your life.”
Amanda chooses to face her cancer with strength, humor, and love—and I want to ensure that she, and others like her, have as much time as possible to make more choices and share more moments with their loved ones.
How You Can Help:
- Donate – Your contribution will support research that is vital for patients like Amanda. Every dollar brings us closer to better treatments and more hope.
- Spread the Word – Share this page with your friends, family, and networks to help raise awareness.
- Support the Cause – Help us ensure that lung cancer patients have access to the most advanced treatments and research.