The following guest post is from my mom, Denise Geraghty.

Just one year ago my 24 year old daughter was recovering from major lung cancer surgery at our home. She had 60% of her right lung removed, and was in the operating room for 6 and half hours. This was the longest six and half hours of my life. The waiting room was filled with people when we arrived. We were the very last to leave after Heather’s surgeon came out to update us on our daughter’s surgery. Dr. Cooper had a long day and we are very grateful that he saved our daughter’s life.

It is amazing how Heather recuperated so fast after her 5 day hospital stay, and even more amazing how since experiencing lung cancer she has worked very hard to help others with lung cancer. Even before her operation she was on the internet researching her illness, and how little could be found about lung cancer.

When some in her family only wanted her to take care of herself, be cured and move on from her lung cancer, she wanted to educate strangers on this disease and raise awareness to stop lung cancer. Heather, now 25, is on a life long mission and lung cancer will not stop her.

Heather began her relationship with LUNGevity prior to her surgery. She began immediately to offer suggestions on how to research funds for the disease, and how awareness could be raised to stop lung cancer stigmas, such as 'only people who smoke get lung cancer' and deserve lung cancer.

In just one year, my daughter Heather has made many great strides in her life personally and emotionally. It is no surprise that my friends, co-workers and even strangers who learn of Heather’s story tell me that she is an amazing person and that I have an amazing daughter. I agree~!

Denise Geraghty aka Mom