The Happy Lungs Project sat down with Jeff Smith, a RET-positive lung cancer survivor from Henderson, NV. This is his story.

Happy Lungs co-founder Ilana Stromberg met Jeff after she saw a video of his story in a Facebook Group. The fact that Ilana saw the post at all was a miracle because, at the time, she did not spend much time on social media. Since then, Jeff, Tina, and Ilana have built a beautiful friendship and helped each other through some tough moments. It’s one of the silver linings of a shared diagnosis! We are grateful that Jeff shared his story with us and invite you to read it below.

Happy Lungs: Can you start by telling us your name and where you live?

Jeff Smith: My name is Jeff Smith, I live in Henderson, NV, and I am a RET-positive lung cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with RET-positive lung cancer in 2020 after being misdiagnosed for several months.

Happy Lungs: What were some of the most helpful resources or support systems you found during your treatment journey?

Jeff: My family and friends were incredibly supportive. The Happy Lungs Project connected me with online groups where I heard inspiring stories from lung cancer survivors. Although there weren’t many stories specific to RET-positive lung cancer, hearing about others’ journeys gave me the hope I needed.

It reminded me that all is not lost when diagnosed with cancer. I focused on the number of people alive rather than daunting statistics.

Happy Lungs: How did you maintain a positive mindset and stay motivated throughout your treatment?

Jeff: No one is always positive; it’s not realistic. When I was first diagnosed, I tried to take everything as it came. Statistics are just numbers. I focused on doing what I could each day. Faith, mindset, and mental strength aren’t accounted for in statistics. I approached treatments with the mindset that I was going to win.

One particularly memorable moment was when I was finally correctly diagnosed after multiple misdiagnoses. I was in the parking lot of the oncology clinic, feeling nervous after a PET scan. The song “Miracles” was playing on the radio, which gave me a lot of hope. I keep a photo of that moment on my bathroom mirror as a reminder.

Happy Lungs: What advice would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed with cancer and is feeling overwhelmed?

Jeff:

• Focus on the present moment. Do what you can do in each moment of each day.
• If you’re fortunate enough to have family around you, give them a hug and lean on them for support.
• Remember that there are people who have made it through this, and there’s no reason to think you won’t be one of them.
• Take care of yourself and give your treatment the best chance of working. Stay active, even if it’s just walking across the room. Do as much movement as you can manage. Walking around the block a few times helped with my nausea and energy levels.

Happy Lungs: How has your experience with cancer changed your outlook on life and influenced your future goals and aspirations?

Jeff: Cancer has changed me profoundly. Gratitude is now a big part of my life. For most of my life, I was a weightlifter, but I couldn’t lift weights during treatment. Now I trail run, and every time I run, I stop at a special spot, place a hand on each pole, and bow my head in gratitude for my ability to run.

When I started chemo, I was told I had three months to live. I thought about it as having 100 days left and decided to make each day count. I slept outside to watch the sunrises, appreciating every moment.

Happy Lungs: Is there anything else you’d like to share with others going through a similar journey?

Jeff: There is always hope. There are others who have been where you are and are alive today. If they can do it, you can too. Be proactive about your care, seek second opinions, and take control of your health. Your journey is your own, and you have the strength to make it through.

Jeff is a member of our Community Advisory Board and we are happy to have him as a part of the team!

View Jeff’s Funraise page.