I have been somewhat avoiding writing an update during this holiday season, because it is my first year lung cancer free. It is bitter sweet to me.

I often am cursed with the dilemma of being the one who survived, because of one hundred that are diagnosed with lung cancer only fifteen will survive. It is certainly a chilling feeling, especially when attending walks/events that have very little to no survivors to be found. It makes survivorship that much more personal.

On December 28, 2011 I celebrated my one year anniversary of diagnosis at my local On The Border. Every Wednesday for the last four weeks I had been raising funds for LUNGevity as well as awareness for lung cancer. December 28th was the last Wednesday of my fundraiser, and it was a very special one. I was happy to see my friend and coworker Vanessa that night. Vanessa had been very busy with nursing school and had not been able to attend an event of mine since the summer. Vanessa visited me often during my recovery of lung cancer and was a very large supporter of mine when I decided to quit smoking.

(A photo of me and my friend and coworker, Vanessa.)



January 20, 2012 is coming quickly, which will mark my first official year of recovery of lung cancer. I am celebrating my recovery by seeing Memphis the musical at the Kimmel Center. I am very much looking forward to seeing it, especially since I have some awesome seats! I will be sure to post photos after the show.

My first year of recovery has been full of extreme ups and downs. There has been times where I felt I could do anything to change the face of lung cancer, but then other times where I felt defeated. Also, there were good times that sometimes equally felt like sad times. 

Things on my to do list this new year:

-Host my second annual Lung Cancer Fundraiser

-Continue to tell my story and raise awareness in my area 

-Attend more LUNGevity Foundation sponsored walks/events

Most memorable of 2011:

-Walking in my first lung cancer Breathe Deep event

-Hosting my first annual Lung Cancer Fundraiser

-Receiving the first Diana Fusco Humanitarian Award at Hope Gala

-Guest speaking at Breathe Deep Philadelphia, Breathe Deep New York City, and Hope Gala

-Attending the first annual Hope Summit

-Meeting the most wonderful friends/family of LUNGevity Foundation and building a support community

And of all the most memorable moments of 2011 and the most sought after achievements of 2012, I cannot forget those who are not here anymore - those who truly deserve to be recognized. Everything is for you.