Two Lucky Duck's

Cancer is a diagnosis that everyone hopes and prays doesn't strike their family. Unfortunately almost all of us have some personal connection to cancer. The good news is there are roughly 12 million cancer survivors here in America who have beaten this disease and are surviving and thriving. More and more individuals are surviving because of the advancements in medicine and the ability to detect cancer early. None of this would be possible without scientific research and doctors devoting their lives to making a difference and finding better ways to treat this horrible monster. One of the doctors dedicated to making advancements in cancer medicine is Dr. Paul Walker. I first met Dr. Walker when I started working for a UNC program called Carolina Well located at the ECU Leo W. Jenkins Cancer Center in August. One day after he stopped by his thoracic nurse's desk he stopped by mine to introduce himself and I quickly became intrigued by his knowledge, attitude, determination, ...

Hi Y’all, At the Leo W. Jenkins Cancer Center, we are always striving to improve our services to meet patient's needs more effectively—not only with the best medical care, but also the support and resources that give people the courage to keep fighting. Today, you can help us in our efforts. We've applied for funding from LIVESTRONG to implement a program proven to support those fighting cancer. And we're excited to let you know that our application has been selected to advance to the final stage — a vote by the broader community. The organizations receiving the most votes within their regions will be awarded funds, materials and training. Please vote for our program and share it with your family and friends: http://vote.livestrong.org/applicants/76-unc-ch-carolina-well-survivorship-program-at-leo-w/ Cancer Transitions™ is designed to support, educate and empower people with cancer in the transitional period after treatment is over. The program incorporates support gr...

The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation Introduces Jill’s Legacy Group of young adults takes aim at the world’s #1 cancer killer San Francisco, CA, March 8, 2011/PRNewsire-USNewswire/—The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (BJALCF), a worldwide leader in efforts to eliminate Lung Cancer, announced today that they have launched the creation of a new Advisory Board made up of 21 promising young professionals who have each been personally touched by Lung Cancer. The Board has been called “Jill’s Legacy” in memorial of the 22-year-old college student and athlete at U.C. Berkeley, Jillian Costello, who lost her battle with Lung Cancer in June of 2010, just one year after being diagnosed. What’s this group’s mission? Simple: to be the driving force in significantly increasing the stagnant 15.5% survival rate of the world’s number one cancer killer—Lung Cancer. BJALCF namesake and Chairman of the Board, Bonnie Addario, believes they are just the people to do it, saying, “I a...

As the holidays approach I often am reminded of how blessed I am to even be here. I think it’s important for everyone to really stop and think about everything that we are THANKFUL for. A lot of times I find myself complaining about what I don’t have…. I need a new car; I would like a new house, new clothes, shoes… ect…. But I often miss the big picture… I think a lot of us miss the big picture. I am so blessed and should constantly be incredibly thankful that I am even alive. I think it’s important to remember everything that we do have and everything that we should be thankful for! It’s easy to complain about what we don’t have or what we would like… but during the holidays lets all try to do a better job of realizing our blessings and being thankful for everything we have. Spend time with your families and friends, eat lots of food, enjoy the laughter, enjoy the stories, enjoy time with family that you don’t often see, take in those moments because you never when they will be cut...

Today is a special day… Today is a special day for lung cancer survivors, family members, and advocates. It’s the start of Lung Cancer Awareness Month!! Although it’s hard to follow in the footsteps of breast cancer awareness month, I am grateful that we even have a month. I have already started to get busy with lung cancer awareness and advocacy and I hope anyone who reads this will start to get busy also. A few weeks ago I was blessed with the opportunity to fly to NYC with Robert. (my boyfriend for those of you who don’t know) It was Robert’s first time ever flying so it was an experience in itself. As if, flying wasn’t a big enough experience. The city is HUGE and very crowded!! The reason for the trip was to speak at a walk held by the LUNGevity Foundation. A young girl named Stacey contacted me this summer about possibly speaking at the walk that they hold in Battery Park. It was a beautiful day and I was honored to be able to speak and learn about a really great organization ...

For Nannie… First off I want to apologize for my terrible grammar and sometimes spelling… this blog is intended for me to share my stories, vent, be emotional, and passionate. So sometimes when I get writing all grammar goes out the window and I just write. I hope I don’t offend anyone or upset anyone but at times I will come across blunt and harsh… However…the truth is… the lung cancer world is harsh and blunt and not fair! So when I write it might come across that way. My Nannie was one of the most amazing women I have ever met. If there was a beautiful woman in this world it was her. She was so beautiful, her hair was platinum blonde and I don’t think I ever caught her without lipstick on at least. She would pin her hair up before she went to bed every night and her outfits always were classy and coordinated. She loved clothes and fashion. Her faith was impressive… something I yearn to have every day. She had such a positive outlook on life and not a care in the world. And ...

To whom it may concern: I feel funny writing that… because it seems as though almost no one is actually really and truthfully concerned with Lung Cancer besides people who are diagnosed, family members, caregivers, a small group of advocates, and the doctors and nurses who actually treat lung cancer on a daily basis. Sad right? In my book yes! See the truth is….Lung Cancer kills more people than breast, prostate, colon, pancreatic, and liver cancers COMBINED… Yet, it is the least funded of all of all major cancer. This is unacceptable and I will not let it hold me down anymore. Lung Cancer is the number 1 cancer killer of men and women in this nation. Believe it or not it’s not breast for women… and it’s not prostate for men. While I would never sit here and argue that one cancer type is better than another I will bring up a very shocking fact… Breast cancer has an 85% five year survival rate! That’s amazing and shows how much progress they have made in science for breast cancer resea...