ROSLungCancerCure

I fractured a rib while surfing in February of 2022. The x-rays indicated in addition to a rib fracture, a spot on my lungs.  Since the radioloogist nor my primary MD said anything,  I assumed it was just an artifact.  I asked my MD brother to look at the x-ray and he said wait until the follow-up films and see what they say then. The radiologist never contacted me with a report so all was forgotton until August of 22' when I noticed a lump in my armpit. I went to my PCP but she did not think it was anything, but I was not convinced. I pursued it with my GYN who did take it seriously and sent me for testing which ultimately led to a diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer from a gene mutation. As a never smoker, former triathlete and  someone who works out daily (in addition never coughs) I could not believe it! I've always lived a healthy lifestyle so I was devastated. At least, I was fortunate enough to be referred to an MD in Portland who actually treats people (he has one patient) with this mutation (ROS-1) and not only that, but there is a lab that studies ROS-1 at his facility (one of two in the country). These wonderful people who do cancer research hope that one day there will be a cure for this and other genetic cancers. We are all exposed to enviromental toxins (in my case, quite possibly radon) that can turn on genes that are supposed to stay dormant and as such, we are at risk of developing cancer. My motivation for doing this pilgramage is to let others diagnosed with this horrible disease and their loved ones, know what is possible despite this disease, and to bring greater awareness to genetic cancers that are benefiting from research dollars. I plan to walk at least 280 miles on this pilgrimaqge and hope that you will sponsor me by contributing a dontation per mile that I walk, eg.  1 cent to $1.00 a mile or more. :-)  All money raised will go to fund ROS-1 reasearch which will help develop drugs to keep people alive and maybe one day an actual cure!