CURE® Lung Cancer Heroes® 2021 Essay Book

An oncologist from Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia explains the early career mentorship that inspired his successful lung cancer career.

Not having known much about lung cancer, a woman describes her shock at receiving a diagnosis despite being a non-smoker.

A woman who has worked with Upal Basu Roy in the lung cancer space for many years explains why he is a lung cancer hero to everyone he has worked with, due to his dedication and empathy.

A lung cancer survivor describes a passionate advocate who has changed the world of many patients.

A man writes about how his wife’s doctor saved her life after she was given three weeks to three months to live.

A colleague describes Dr. Edward S. Kim’s devotion to improving lung cancer care and creating more inclusive clinical trial practices.

A woman writes about the unique lung cancer advocate who leads his endeavors with his heart for change.

After receiving an advanced non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis, a competitive runner and cyclist began running toward a new goal: becoming a lung cancer advocate.

Ellen Petree worked with local health care leaders and community nurses to help reduce the number of children who went on to use tobacco, lowering their risk for lung cancer.

A man writes about his wife’s oncologist, Dr. Frederic J. Kaye, and describes how he went above and beyond to provide supportive care during her lung cancer journey.

A colleague describes Dr. Nagla Abdel Karim’s exemplary compassion for patients with lung cancer and how she works hard to increase representation in cancer clinical trials.

A cancer survivor describes an inspiring close friend who has been dealing with cancer for 13 years and refuses to give up.

A woman explains how her close friend achieved remission from stage 4 lung cancer after being treated by Dr. Bret Friday – a superhero in her book.

A lung cancer survivor explains how a serendipitous friendship with her stepson’s girlfriend’s aunt changed her life.

Dr. Roman Perez-Soler received his original training in Spain but has been a constant beloved presence in the U.S. lung cancer arena for more than 30 years.

Simply put, Jan Poulsen is an inspiration to those diagnosed with lung cancer, a friend writes.

Lilian is a gentle soul who was placed on Earth for this purpose: to guide those with the most common cancer there is.

A colleague describes how Suzanne Walker has touched the lives of many patients with lung cancer over the years.

An oncologist explains why Tami Tittlefitz, a lung cancer nurse practitioner, is "one of a kind: a saint and a healer."

A lung cancer survivor explains how Dr. Brendon Stiles is an asset to the lung cancer community. "He is such an accomplished thoracic surgeon, but he is so humble and generous with his time."

A patient with stage 4 lung cancer explains why Dr. Shirish Gadgeel is a ray of sunshine and hope who makes patients with cancer feel that living a long life is a possibility.

Christine Eastep demonstrates the highest commitment to every one of the patients and her staff to improve the outcomes in lung cancer treatment, with a commitment to sending her staff nurses to tobacco cessation classes.

Dr. Roy H. Decker is a lung cancer hero — a “triple threat” in lung radiation oncology as a clinical innovator, teacher and ground-breaking clinical trialist, explains a colleague.

"Having been newly diagnosed myself, I saw how amazingly well she was doing and had been a survivor for about three years already," a lung cancer survivor writes about a connection she made with another survivor.

A patient with lung cancer explains how Terri Conneran, a patient advocate, helped her understand her disease and fight for proper care in a country with less options.

A lung cancer survivor shares a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Abraham Chachoua, who changed his life.

In an era of trauma, people whose buoyancy elevates both purpose and agency shine like a flashlight in the darkness. During the past year of uncertainty, Dave Bjork was that light for many.

Upal Basu Roy has a true gift of being able to think from his heart. He educates the patient community, helps patients navigate the fragmented system, fights for drug access issues in other countries, addresses disparities and supports patient-driven initiatives in research and advocacy.

Lung cancer is a dangerous and often silent killer for the residents of northeast Georgia. For Dr. Arfoosh, lung cancer screening, quick referrals and prompt treatment for people with newly diagnosed lung cancer are at the forefront of his daily work.

After Kelsey Ahmed’s mother, Martha, was diagnosed with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer, Kelsey and her family got to work raising funds and spreading awareness for the American Lung Association.