The Power of Stories: Launching a New Book and Documentary on The Journey

As part of The Journey, I am thrilled to share the upcoming release of The ABCs of Lung Cancer for Patients and Advocates (2nd Edition), co-authored by my daughter, Kimberly Lester, and me. This book is an expanded and deeply personal guide designed to educate and inspire those affected by lung cancer.

A new book to inspire and educate

The first edition was intentionally basic, providing a concise yet informative overview of lung cancer. Each chapter covered a different topic, such as "A is for Anyone Can Get Lung Cancer" and "V is for Veterans." The new edition builds upon this foundation, incorporating powerful patient stories to illustrate key points.

Take, for example, Abby Wilson. Diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer at the age of nine, Abby battled for a decade before passing at age 19. Her story is a stark reminder that anyone can get lung cancer. Or consider Elizabeth, who was given only 100 days to live—until biomarker testing revealed she had a rare mutation. She entered a clinical trial, received targeted therapy, and has now been thriving for eight years. These stories, and many more, provide hope and awareness for those navigating a lung cancer diagnosis.

Capturing The Journey: A new documentary

In addition to the book, we will be filming a documentary throughout The Journey. This documentary will feature interviews with lung cancer patients, advocates, researchers, and healthcare professionals. It will capture moments of joy, struggle, and resilience, highlighting the real-life impact of lung cancer advancements.

Along the way, I will be visiting key figures in lung cancer advocacy, including Heidi and Pierre Onda in Denver for a White Ribbon Build, Jill Feldman in Chicago, and Angus Pratt in British Columbia. Each stop will offer an opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of survival, advocacy, and progress.

Miles of progress, miles to go

The Skan Van carries a tagline that perfectly encapsulates our mission: Miles of Progress, Miles to Go. We recognize the incredible strides made in lung cancer research, but we also acknowledge the work that remains. Lung cancer is still the number one cancer killer, and we must continue fighting for better screening, better treatments, and ultimately, a cure.

Be part of this movement

I invite you to join me on this journey—whether by following along online, meeting up along the route, or simply sharing the message. If you’re near one of my stops, let’s connect. Let’s celebrate the survivors, honor those we have lost, and push forward for a future where lung cancer is no longer the leading cause of cancer death.

The Journey route and schedule

The Journey starts in Raleigh, North Carolina, on September 25, 2025, and will conclude in Charlotte, North Carolina, on November 6, 2025. I hope to see you along the way. Let’s make an impact—together.

Below is a list of the cities and states I will be stopping in:

From Raleigh, I'm taking the southern route across the United States. I'll be meeting folks in Wilmington, North Carolina, and then in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, California, Oregon, Washington State.

Then I'm going to British Columbia to see Angus Pratt, who lives in Canada just 10 minutes from the border. Following that, I'll head to Denver, Chicago, and Detroit. I'll be seeing Debbie Pickworth with the BRAF Bombers. I will stop in Saratoga Springs, NY then on to Boston. I am going to meet with Jeff Yang of the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative there.

From Boston to New York, then to Washington, DC, I'm hoping to meet with my senators and congressman and discuss lung cancer research funding. Then it's on to Virginia, Louisville, Kentucky, and Nashville.

Finally, we're going to wrap it up in Charlotte, North Carolina at the Live Lung Wellness Retreat on November 6th. I really want to connect. Even if it's 50 miles off my path, let’s make it happen, if time allows.