On Saturday Nov. 9, I will be walking with my family and lanterns because we are thankful, want to raise awareness and provide hope for lung cancer patients.
Last year, my partner Charmaine was unexpectedly diagnosed with lung cancer. It was quite a shock! We subsequently learned that over 20% of new lung cancer patients are young females who are non-smokers, healthy and generally of Asian background. Within two weeks Charmaine had lobectomy surgery to remove the tumour and a third of her lung. We were very fortunate to catch this when we did as as any longer and the tumour would have metastasized. Subsequent testing indicated RET Fusion Non Small Cell Adenocarcinoma Lung Cancer which a very rare and aggressive kind that affects 1-2% of lung cancer patients. There is a 50% chance that the cancer could recur in the next 2 years. However, Charmaine is now part of a clinical trial which we hope will reduce the recurrence rate for her and other lung cancer survivors.
Research offers hope to Charmaine and others like her and your support helps keep hope alive for over 15,000 Australians living with lung cancer. Together, we can help shine a light on lung cancer and fund groundbreaking research. In fact, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths and the most common cancer worldwide
Donations from past years contributed to the advancements in treatment and research which she is benefitting from. We hope to raise money and awareness to benefit future lung cancer patients. Lung Foundation Australia provides seed funding for the best and brightest researchers to undertake projects that support discoveries towards the prevention, management and cure of lung cancer. Scientific breakthroughs can take years to accomplish but every dollar makes a difference to the lives of people impacted by lung cancer.
Where there is light, there is hope. Every dollar builds a brighter future for those diagnosed with lung cancer.
Please donate and make a difference. If you cannot donate, please raise awareness because many patients are diagnosed too late. I am so grateful that this did not happen in our case.
(If you are wondering about the team name ... a family friend named the tumour Harold ... hence Harold Be Gone. No offence to anyone named Harold or Harry.)
