It Happens to All of Us

As we grow up and become parents, friends, etc., we know life doesn't last forever. We don't know when it will happen, but it "happens to all of us." Well, with a lung cancer diagnosis, we realistically open our eyes and ears knowing the end may come much quicker than we thought. That's why we fight with a flame we never knew we had inside of us.

The fight is about awareness

This fight is also about awareness. How many of us knew what we know now when we were diagnosed? Now is the time to spread awareness. This fight, our treatment, forces us to hold close what is important, love what is dear, and do what is love. This has forced me to think about my own mortality. I wonder daily why I was blessed to surpass the five year mark but I do often wonder what I will do when I have progression. I am not ready to go. I have work to do.

We're here to spread hope

In the past few days, three of my lung cancer sisters have crossed over to rest eternally. Unfortunately, some come as a great shock. I know you are thinking how can that be when you knew they had cancer? That is the beauty of our advocacy. We meet so many people who are surviving and living their life while going through treatment and then wham, something happens and they are gone.

Life is not promised and it can end in a moment's notice. We as cancer patients in active treatment are fully aware of what can happen but we chose to take one day at a time. One event at a time. We chose to enjoy life at a faster pace. This is why our advocacy is so important. We must let people know cancer is not an immediate death sentence.

Together we are unstoppable

Many people still believe you must have been a smoker to get lung cancer. We as patients need to not only advocate for ourselves but for those who will be diagnosed after us. You do not have to be a smoker or former smoker to get lung cancer. All you need are lungs and this is our message.

And we are truly making a difference -- it may be slow, but slow and steady wins the race. I ask each of you reading this to make a point of spreading awareness in some way in the upcoming week. Single-handed we may not do much but as a group, we can be unstoppable.

Let's face it. None of us are getting out of this alive -- and I define "this" as life. Cancer or not.

Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on January 28, 2020, Jennifer Toth passed away. Jennifer was a passionate advocate for the Lung Cancer community. She will be deeply missed.