This November, I’m joining Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2025 to support ALK Positive Inc., an organization close to my heart.

April 2024, I was diagnosed with stage 3B ALK+ lung cancer my freshman year in college.  What we thought was the college crud turned out to be so much more!  From feeling tired, to a cough that wouldn't go away, I was treated multiple times for pneumonia but the meds never brought me relief.  Never in a million years would I have thought lung cancer would be my diagnosis. I was an athlete, didn't smoke, and my lungs were in excellent condition, until they weren't.  With multiple doctors appts and juggling my course load spring semester the main fight started the day after I got home from school.  In an 8 month span, I endured 4 rounds of chemotherapy and major surgery (pneumonectomy of right lung) plus continue an ongoing treatment of a targeted therapy medication.  

This past September marked my 1 YEAR Anniversary of being CANCER FREE.  

I returned to college in January 2025 to continue my education in bio chemistry and molecular biology.  My diagnosis only solidified my decision to become a doctor.  I hope one day, I can make a impact for those who have been affected by cancer.

More and more young people are being diagnosed with lung cancer every day.  You do not need to have a smoker's profile, all you need is a pair of lungs.  From genetic mutations, pollutants, and the enviroment any of these can possibly trigger this horrible disease. 

For those diagnosed with ALK-positive lung cancer, more research = more time—more holidays, more milestones, more everyday moments with the people they love. That’s why I’m fundraising and asking for your support.

Here’s how you can help:

• Donate: Every gift, big or small, fuels research and patient support.

• Share: Help spread the word by sharing my page with friends and family. The more people who know, the more impact we can make.

Together, we can give families the most precious gift of all—time. I am forever blessed that I WILL be able to spend more time with my family.  Thank you for standing with me! 

  Love, Grayson