Shared Stories | American Lung Association

Erica S. My battle with cigarette smoking, my lessons and advice
Emily P. My dad, Dana Potter fought a hard battle with lung cancer with dignity and grace for over two years.
Rebecca M. My story starts in 2014 when I started to have breathing trouble. I went to the hospital as a precaution. After several CT scans and explorative surgery, my pulmonologist found the benign nodules in both lungs. Since then, I have continued to thrive
Clemente P. Early detection of lung cancer, as with all cancers, is important to me because it saved my sister’s life - on 3 separate occasions!
Mackena B. My papa was always my biggest fan and came to nearly all my races. When he was diagnosed with lung cancer, we were devastated. Just six weeks later, heaven gained an angel. In honor of my papa’s memory, I have joined LUNG FORCE to fight the #1 cancer
Barbara B. My father has COPD. He has been a smoker since a young age and it is severely limiting his adult life.
Sandra H. I have lost my grandfather, one uncle, one aunt, and have one aunt that survived lung cancer and now have another aunt starting radiation and chemotherapy for it. We have got to find a cure.
Sandra H. I have had 2 close friends die from emphysema and one from lung cancer. I have asthma from bronchitis and have to "inhale" before any exercise. I have never smoked!
Sandra H. Hi, my name is Sandy Helmin-Clazmer. My story dates back to 1987. I was teaching in Racine, Wisconsin and was finishing my last semester of grad school. During that time, I was plagued with a dry chronic cough and frequent bouts of laryngitis.
Robin S. I was diagnosed on Mothers Day on May 9, 2013 with stage 4 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. It has now metastasized to my brain - I'm still fighting!
Grace M. I began working with American Lung Association in 2015, after the death of my mother Donna, who had lung cancer.
Mark E. I would be elated if we could go back to the 55mph limit!!! As it is, I do drive at that speed and stay 5mph slower in town.
Debbi B. I had my entire right lung removed because of lung cancer and had 28 radiation treatments on my esophagus so it didn’t cross over to my left lung.
Arthur M. I am very grateful as I had lung surgery when I was 87 years old that was found after I was X-rayed following an elbow fracture.
Eric W. I was in my mid 40's, a practicing primary care physician for both children and adults, a husband, and father of two - the prime of my life.

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