Read inspiring stories from RET-positive lung cancer survivors and their families about their journeys through diagnosis and treatment.
Stories of Hope
Jamie Ellefson
Diagnosed at 45
Live in the present moment and stop worrying about the past and future. Enjoy each and every moment, each day. Don’t sweat the small meaningless stuff.
Brittany Hawkins
Diagnosed at 36
I live with the hope that research will continue and there will be advances made in my lifetime that can turn the death sentence of RET+ lung cancer into just another chronic condition.
Mickey Harris
Diagnosed at 71
After retiring from a 50-year career in construction, Mickey had been looking forward to traveling with friends. Although cancer changed some of those plans, it has not stopped him from continuing to enjoy life.
Belle Chatelain
Diagnosed at 60
My faith has always been important to me and I’ve always relied on it to get me through many struggles and trials, but this is the one that showed up the most because my mortality was on the line.
Carrie Griffin
Diagnosed at 62
Carrie’s treatment included radiation to her sacrum and hip, along with Retevmo. Alongside conventional treatment, she explored integrative approaches including hyperbaric chamber therapy, red light therapy, and acupuncture.
Ive Rosseel
Diagnosed at 41
Ive was diagnosed with cancer at age 41 and he faced a journey that would test both his body and his mindset. His treatment included selpercatinib, SBRT radiation, and carboplatin and pemetrexed chemotherapy.
Dawn Gulick
Diagnosed at 65
Ask questions, advocate for yourself, accept help, and don’t lose hope. Treatments are improving, research is moving quickly, and there is still so much life left to live.
Jeff Smith
Diagnosed in 2020
From Diagnosis to Triumph: An Interview with Jeff Smith on His Journey with RET-Positive Lung Cancer.
Ilana Stromberg
Diagnosed at 50
Cancer is indiscriminate; it can strike anyone at any time. However, many things look impossible, until they are conquered. Today, we are on a journey to beat Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.
April Vokes
Diagnosed at 48
As a non-smoker, a lung cancer diagnosis was something April never expected. It was also her second battle with cancer. Years earlier, from August 2016 to November 2019, April faced breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy.
Smitha Anand R S
Diagnosed at 44
To maintain a positive mindset, Smitha continues doing the things she loves. Dancing, painting, and participating in community support activities became important outlets during treatment. She also shares these passions through her YouTube channel, where she documents her journey and interests.
