Home / Resources / Patient Stories Adrienne Peralta This story is dedicated in memory of Shannon Gall, who encouraged me and inspired me to write and share mine. Life is never easy. I have always been taught that. I learned that at 19 years old as I tackled life, putting myself through school, juggling night classes between three jobs. I gave my very best to be successful in every role I was hired to do. That's how I always viewed learning, until I reached 40 and realized how difficult it could become. At that time, I thought I finally had all my ducks in a row. I was full of pride because I finally got a promotion, and that working 3 jobs in between night classes and growing up too fast during my teen years finally paid off. I got married, travelled, and enjoyed small successes. My husband and I finally decided we are ready for the next phase of our lives...we were ready for a family, together with our fur boy, Schatz, in our cozy 3-bedroom house that we owned. That was the plan until I was diagnosed with Lung Cancer in 2019. I realized that what I’ve learned for almost half of my life, is based on my decisions, good and bad and how I face the consequences of my choices. I saw these mishaps and mistakes, as source of strength as I challenged each one as they come. I remained resilient and proud to say I was able to bounce back every time. Then, Cancer happened. That one word sent my best laid plans for the future careening right off the tracks. It once again reminded me that life is not easy. All my resiliency was thrown out the window as my thoughts were clouded with fear, anger, sadness, and sheer disappointment. I found it challenging to bounce back. Having lung cancer is not a choice I made for myself. This is not part of the well thought out decisions I made in my life. Why would a nonsmoker, with a balanced healthy lifestyle of exercise and diet have Lung Cancer? That was the nagging question that came to mind. Diagnosed at stage 4 with no symptoms doubled the surprise. Anger and depression chipped away all the resilience I thought I had. Those emotions depleted all the positivity I had. They blinded me from seeing the silver lining. I asked myself what positivity there could be aside from having a positive cancer diagnosis. I struggled to find clarity while these questions and thoughts filled my mind. I turned to the internet to find people like me, people who are facing the same challenges and experiences that I am going through. I found support groups and organizations that helped me function again because I slowly learned more about lung cancer and heard other people's experiences. I was able to relate with some of them. The ones whose experiences differ from mine, I keep in my back pocket for later so that I may draw wisdom from their experiences. This year marks my 5th year as a cancer patient. I can honestly say that I have come a long way from the mindset I had back then. I discovered that listening to people with the same lived experiences, as well as sharing my own, while educating myself about the disease guided me as I live every day. I have always focused on my goals, and I achieved them knowing that each decision I make will affect the outcome. However, this time I can't just simply bounce back and return to how things were before my diagnosis. Knowing that this has completely altered the course I had planned for my life, I just focus on what matters most to me. I learned that making the most of what I have is the best way to deal with circumstances that happen that aren't the results of my choices or decisions. I’ve noticed a lot of younger and asymptomatic people get diagnosed with this disease, some like me was diagnosed at an uncurable stage. A stage where I must change the way of thinking and shift my mindset. This encouraged me to share my story to create awareness and inspire. Instead of thinking about the negative impact cancer has given me, I chose to do something, to be part of the change. So here I am sharing my story on getting my life back in addition to my fundraising efforts, to raise awareness, fast-track clinical trials and research, to improved screening guidelines and change the conversation that this can happen to anyone. I hope that others can relate and feel empowered to share theirs as well. I hope that telling our stories will further push early screening with no age limitations, regardless of lifestyle and life choices, raise awareness, because in the end though cancer isn't something we chose, we can make the choice to help eliminate cancer, so that no one will never have to take this path and have a better outcome in the future. Side note: Cancer did not numb me from all these pains, when my dear fur boy Schatz passed away, it taught me that life as tough as it might be, still goes on, pain and challenges will and can always happen, but so will learning and coping. There are educational materials and support programs provided and offered by foundations such as Lung Cancer Canada and Other wonderful organizations out there. I did not bounce back on my own, I coped from stories like this from patients and advocates I met along the way, some turned from acquaintances into friends I now call my Lung Cancer Family. Resources Group Support One on One Support Patient Stories Awareness & Educational Infosheets Patient Guide The Hard Facts Poster Online Support and Resources COVID-19 COVID-19 Vaccine Survey and Press Release Hope In Isolation Lung Cancer Voices Podcast Lung Cancer Voices Podcast Listing Managing Breathing Relaxation for Shortness of Breath Faces of Lung Cancer Reports Questions to Ask Your Cancer Care Team For Health Care Providers What's New In: Webinars Videos Current News CANADA'S PREMIER LUNG CANCER FUNDRAISING & AWARENESS EVENT RETURNS JUNE 1st: GIVE A BREATH 5K TORONTO, May 29, 2024 /CNW/ - Lung cancer remains one of the most underfunded and overlooked cancers in Canada, despite being the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Lung Cancer Canada is calling on all Canadians to join the movement for change by participating in the Give a Breath 5K, the nation's premier fundraising and awareness event dedicated to supporting the lung cancer community. Founded by Tim Monds and his family in 2019, Give a Breath began as a local 5K walk/run in Edmonton and has since grown into a nationwide event. This year's event will take place on June 1st in Edmonton, Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver, and virtually, allowing participants from all over Canada to join in support. "Lung Cancer Canada is thrilled to be partnering with the Monds Family and our event hosts across the country for such an important event," said Shem Singh, Executive Director, Lung Cancer Canada. "With lung cancer impacting more Canadians than any other type of cancer, we need to shine a spotlight on the critical need for increased funding and awareness. Through Give a Breath, and with the support of donors, sponsors, and participants from across Canada, we're doing just that." Funds raised through the Give a Breath 5K support Lung Cancer Canada's Airways of Hope program, ensuring individuals facing lung cancer receive comprehensive care throughout their journey. This program offers healthcare navigation, peer and group support, and one-on-one support from a registered social worker. Additionally, Lung Cancer Canada is excited to announce that, thanks to Give a Breath and the Monds family, it will be expanding its research program with a new research award aimed at supporting the best and brightest minds in lung cancer research in Canada. This new annual award will launch in November 2024 as part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month. This year, there will be two awards of $25,000 each for projects focused on patients with advanced lung cancer, specifically exploring options after first-line therapy. Future announcements will coincide with Give a Breath in early June. Tim Monds, founder of Give a Breath, shared his perspective: "Our family started this event to raise awareness and funds for a cause that has deeply affected us. Seeing Give a Breath grow into a nationwide movement has been incredibly rewarding. We're grateful for the support and look forward to continuing our efforts to make a difference in the lives of those affected by lung cancer." To get involved and help build a movement towards greater awareness and support for lung cancer, visit www.giveabreath.ca. About Lung Cancer Canada: Lung Cancer Canada is a national charity dedicated to increasing awareness, providing patient and caregiver support, advocating for policy change, and funding research to improve outcomes for those affected by lung cancer. Through events like Give a Breath 5K, Lung Cancer Canada aims to rally the community and advocate for the attention and funding that lung cancer desperately needs. SOURCE Lung Cancer Canada For further information: For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Peter Glazier, Senior Advisor, Public Affairs, Communications & Strategy, T. 416.879.1953, E. [email protected] Read More LA CAMPAGNE VEDETTE DE COLLECTE DE FONDS ET DE SENSIBILISATION AU CANCER DU POUMON AU CANADA REVIENT LE 1er JUIN : GIVE A BREATH 5K TORONTO, le 29 mai 2024 /CNW/ - Le cancer du poumon demeure l'un des cancers les moins bien financés et les plus négligés au Canada, bien qu'il soit la principale cause de décès par cancer dans le pays. Cancer pulmonaire Canada invite tous les Canadiens à se joindre au mouvement pour le changement en prenant part au 5K Give a Breath, la campagne vedette de collecte de fonds et de sensibilisation visant à venir en aide à la communauté de personnes affectées par le cancer du poumon. Fondé par Tim Monds et sa famille en 2019, Give a Breath a commencé par une marche/course de 5 km à Edmonton avant de devenir un événement d'envergure nationale. Cette année, l'événement aura lieu le 1er juin à Edmonton, Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver et en virtuel, permettant aux participants de tout le Canada de se joindre au mouvement. « Cancer pulmonaire Canada est ravi de s'associer à la famille Monds et à nos hôtes de partout au pays pour organiser un événement aussi important, a déclaré Shem Singh, directeur général de Cancer pulmonaire Canada. Comme le cancer du poumon touche plus de Canadiens que tout autre type de cancer, nous devons mettre sur le devant de la scène le besoin crucial d'accroître le financement et la sensibilisation. C'est ce que nous faisons grâce à Give a Breath et à l'appui des donateurs, des commanditaires et des participants partout au Canada. » Les fonds amassés par l'entremise de Give a Breath appuient le programme Voies de l'espoir de Cancer pulmonaire Canada, qui vise à aider les personnes atteintes d'un cancer du poumon à recevoir des soins complets tout au long de leur parcours. Ce programme comprend le cheminement dans les soins de santé, le soutien par les pairs et les groupes d'entraide, ainsi que le soutien individuel assuré par un travailleur social agréé. De plus, Cancer pulmonaire Canada est heureux d'annoncer que, grâce à Give a Breath et à la famille Monds, il élargira son programme de recherche grâce à une nouvelle bourse de recherche s'adressant aux esprits les plus brillants de la recherche sur le cancer du poumon au Canada. Ce nouveau prix annuel sera lancé en novembre 2024 dans le cadre du Mois de sensibilisation au cancer du poumon. Cette année, deux prix de 25 000 $ chacun décerné à un projet axé sur les patients atteints d'un cancer du poumon avancé, étudiant plus particulièrement les options après un traitement de première intention. Les prochaines annonces coïncideront avec Give a Breath début juin. Tim Monds, fondateur de Give a Breath, a fait part de son point de vue : « Notre famille a lancé cet événement pour sensibiliser le public et amasser des fonds pour une cause qui nous tient profondément à cœur. Je suis incroyablement gratifié de voir Give a Breath devenir un mouvement national. Nous sommes reconnaissants pour tout le soutien reçu et apportons notre appui aux efforts visant à changer la donne dans la vie des personnes affectées par le cancer du poumon. » Pour participer et aider à créer un mouvement de sensibilisation et de soutien à l'égard du cancer du poumon, rendez-vous sur www.giveabreath.ca. À propos de Cancer pulmonaire Canada: Cancer pulmonaire Canada est un organisme de bienfaisance national qui se voue à la sensibilisation, au soutien des patients et des proches aidants, à la promotion de changements dans les politiques et au financement de la recherche afin d'améliorer les issues cliniques pour les personnes atteintes d'un cancer du poumon. Grâce à des événements, comme le 5K Give a Breath, Cancer pulmonaire Canada vise à rallier la population et à plaider en faveur de l'attention et du financement dont le cancer du poumon a désespérément besoin. SOURCE Lung Cancer Canada Renseignements: Source : Peter Glazier, Conseiller principal, Affaires publiques, communications et stratégie, Tél. : 416 879-1953, Courriel : [email protected] Read More Clinical Trials Questions To Ask Patient Stories Community Activities Donate Now Peer to Peer Network
Home / Resources / Patient Stories Adrienne Peralta This story is dedicated in memory of Shannon Gall, who encouraged me and inspired me to write and share mine. Life is never easy. I have always been taught that. I learned that at 19 years old as I tackled life, putting myself through school, juggling night classes between three jobs. I gave my very best to be successful in every role I was hired to do. That's how I always viewed learning, until I reached 40 and realized how difficult it could become. At that time, I thought I finally had all my ducks in a row. I was full of pride because I finally got a promotion, and that working 3 jobs in between night classes and growing up too fast during my teen years finally paid off. I got married, travelled, and enjoyed small successes. My husband and I finally decided we are ready for the next phase of our lives...we were ready for a family, together with our fur boy, Schatz, in our cozy 3-bedroom house that we owned. That was the plan until I was diagnosed with Lung Cancer in 2019. I realized that what I’ve learned for almost half of my life, is based on my decisions, good and bad and how I face the consequences of my choices. I saw these mishaps and mistakes, as source of strength as I challenged each one as they come. I remained resilient and proud to say I was able to bounce back every time. Then, Cancer happened. That one word sent my best laid plans for the future careening right off the tracks. It once again reminded me that life is not easy. All my resiliency was thrown out the window as my thoughts were clouded with fear, anger, sadness, and sheer disappointment. I found it challenging to bounce back. Having lung cancer is not a choice I made for myself. This is not part of the well thought out decisions I made in my life. Why would a nonsmoker, with a balanced healthy lifestyle of exercise and diet have Lung Cancer? That was the nagging question that came to mind. Diagnosed at stage 4 with no symptoms doubled the surprise. Anger and depression chipped away all the resilience I thought I had. Those emotions depleted all the positivity I had. They blinded me from seeing the silver lining. I asked myself what positivity there could be aside from having a positive cancer diagnosis. I struggled to find clarity while these questions and thoughts filled my mind. I turned to the internet to find people like me, people who are facing the same challenges and experiences that I am going through. I found support groups and organizations that helped me function again because I slowly learned more about lung cancer and heard other people's experiences. I was able to relate with some of them. The ones whose experiences differ from mine, I keep in my back pocket for later so that I may draw wisdom from their experiences. This year marks my 5th year as a cancer patient. I can honestly say that I have come a long way from the mindset I had back then. I discovered that listening to people with the same lived experiences, as well as sharing my own, while educating myself about the disease guided me as I live every day. I have always focused on my goals, and I achieved them knowing that each decision I make will affect the outcome. However, this time I can't just simply bounce back and return to how things were before my diagnosis. Knowing that this has completely altered the course I had planned for my life, I just focus on what matters most to me. I learned that making the most of what I have is the best way to deal with circumstances that happen that aren't the results of my choices or decisions. I’ve noticed a lot of younger and asymptomatic people get diagnosed with this disease, some like me was diagnosed at an uncurable stage. A stage where I must change the way of thinking and shift my mindset. This encouraged me to share my story to create awareness and inspire. Instead of thinking about the negative impact cancer has given me, I chose to do something, to be part of the change. So here I am sharing my story on getting my life back in addition to my fundraising efforts, to raise awareness, fast-track clinical trials and research, to improved screening guidelines and change the conversation that this can happen to anyone. I hope that others can relate and feel empowered to share theirs as well. I hope that telling our stories will further push early screening with no age limitations, regardless of lifestyle and life choices, raise awareness, because in the end though cancer isn't something we chose, we can make the choice to help eliminate cancer, so that no one will never have to take this path and have a better outcome in the future. Side note: Cancer did not numb me from all these pains, when my dear fur boy Schatz passed away, it taught me that life as tough as it might be, still goes on, pain and challenges will and can always happen, but so will learning and coping. There are educational materials and support programs provided and offered by foundations such as Lung Cancer Canada and Other wonderful organizations out there. I did not bounce back on my own, I coped from stories like this from patients and advocates I met along the way, some turned from acquaintances into friends I now call my Lung Cancer Family. Resources Group Support One on One Support Patient Stories Awareness & Educational Infosheets Patient Guide The Hard Facts Poster Online Support and Resources COVID-19 COVID-19 Vaccine Survey and Press Release Hope In Isolation Lung Cancer Voices Podcast Lung Cancer Voices Podcast Listing Managing Breathing Relaxation for Shortness of Breath Faces of Lung Cancer Reports Questions to Ask Your Cancer Care Team For Health Care Providers What's New In: Webinars Videos Current News CANADA'S PREMIER LUNG CANCER FUNDRAISING & AWARENESS EVENT RETURNS JUNE 1st: GIVE A BREATH 5K TORONTO, May 29, 2024 /CNW/ - Lung cancer remains one of the most underfunded and overlooked cancers in Canada, despite being the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Lung Cancer Canada is calling on all Canadians to join the movement for change by participating in the Give a Breath 5K, the nation's premier fundraising and awareness event dedicated to supporting the lung cancer community. Founded by Tim Monds and his family in 2019, Give a Breath began as a local 5K walk/run in Edmonton and has since grown into a nationwide event. This year's event will take place on June 1st in Edmonton, Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver, and virtually, allowing participants from all over Canada to join in support. "Lung Cancer Canada is thrilled to be partnering with the Monds Family and our event hosts across the country for such an important event," said Shem Singh, Executive Director, Lung Cancer Canada. "With lung cancer impacting more Canadians than any other type of cancer, we need to shine a spotlight on the critical need for increased funding and awareness. Through Give a Breath, and with the support of donors, sponsors, and participants from across Canada, we're doing just that." Funds raised through the Give a Breath 5K support Lung Cancer Canada's Airways of Hope program, ensuring individuals facing lung cancer receive comprehensive care throughout their journey. This program offers healthcare navigation, peer and group support, and one-on-one support from a registered social worker. Additionally, Lung Cancer Canada is excited to announce that, thanks to Give a Breath and the Monds family, it will be expanding its research program with a new research award aimed at supporting the best and brightest minds in lung cancer research in Canada. This new annual award will launch in November 2024 as part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month. This year, there will be two awards of $25,000 each for projects focused on patients with advanced lung cancer, specifically exploring options after first-line therapy. Future announcements will coincide with Give a Breath in early June. Tim Monds, founder of Give a Breath, shared his perspective: "Our family started this event to raise awareness and funds for a cause that has deeply affected us. Seeing Give a Breath grow into a nationwide movement has been incredibly rewarding. We're grateful for the support and look forward to continuing our efforts to make a difference in the lives of those affected by lung cancer." To get involved and help build a movement towards greater awareness and support for lung cancer, visit www.giveabreath.ca. About Lung Cancer Canada: Lung Cancer Canada is a national charity dedicated to increasing awareness, providing patient and caregiver support, advocating for policy change, and funding research to improve outcomes for those affected by lung cancer. Through events like Give a Breath 5K, Lung Cancer Canada aims to rally the community and advocate for the attention and funding that lung cancer desperately needs. SOURCE Lung Cancer Canada For further information: For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Peter Glazier, Senior Advisor, Public Affairs, Communications & Strategy, T. 416.879.1953, E. [email protected] Read More LA CAMPAGNE VEDETTE DE COLLECTE DE FONDS ET DE SENSIBILISATION AU CANCER DU POUMON AU CANADA REVIENT LE 1er JUIN : GIVE A BREATH 5K TORONTO, le 29 mai 2024 /CNW/ - Le cancer du poumon demeure l'un des cancers les moins bien financés et les plus négligés au Canada, bien qu'il soit la principale cause de décès par cancer dans le pays. Cancer pulmonaire Canada invite tous les Canadiens à se joindre au mouvement pour le changement en prenant part au 5K Give a Breath, la campagne vedette de collecte de fonds et de sensibilisation visant à venir en aide à la communauté de personnes affectées par le cancer du poumon. Fondé par Tim Monds et sa famille en 2019, Give a Breath a commencé par une marche/course de 5 km à Edmonton avant de devenir un événement d'envergure nationale. Cette année, l'événement aura lieu le 1er juin à Edmonton, Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver et en virtuel, permettant aux participants de tout le Canada de se joindre au mouvement. « Cancer pulmonaire Canada est ravi de s'associer à la famille Monds et à nos hôtes de partout au pays pour organiser un événement aussi important, a déclaré Shem Singh, directeur général de Cancer pulmonaire Canada. Comme le cancer du poumon touche plus de Canadiens que tout autre type de cancer, nous devons mettre sur le devant de la scène le besoin crucial d'accroître le financement et la sensibilisation. C'est ce que nous faisons grâce à Give a Breath et à l'appui des donateurs, des commanditaires et des participants partout au Canada. » Les fonds amassés par l'entremise de Give a Breath appuient le programme Voies de l'espoir de Cancer pulmonaire Canada, qui vise à aider les personnes atteintes d'un cancer du poumon à recevoir des soins complets tout au long de leur parcours. Ce programme comprend le cheminement dans les soins de santé, le soutien par les pairs et les groupes d'entraide, ainsi que le soutien individuel assuré par un travailleur social agréé. De plus, Cancer pulmonaire Canada est heureux d'annoncer que, grâce à Give a Breath et à la famille Monds, il élargira son programme de recherche grâce à une nouvelle bourse de recherche s'adressant aux esprits les plus brillants de la recherche sur le cancer du poumon au Canada. Ce nouveau prix annuel sera lancé en novembre 2024 dans le cadre du Mois de sensibilisation au cancer du poumon. Cette année, deux prix de 25 000 $ chacun décerné à un projet axé sur les patients atteints d'un cancer du poumon avancé, étudiant plus particulièrement les options après un traitement de première intention. Les prochaines annonces coïncideront avec Give a Breath début juin. Tim Monds, fondateur de Give a Breath, a fait part de son point de vue : « Notre famille a lancé cet événement pour sensibiliser le public et amasser des fonds pour une cause qui nous tient profondément à cœur. Je suis incroyablement gratifié de voir Give a Breath devenir un mouvement national. Nous sommes reconnaissants pour tout le soutien reçu et apportons notre appui aux efforts visant à changer la donne dans la vie des personnes affectées par le cancer du poumon. » Pour participer et aider à créer un mouvement de sensibilisation et de soutien à l'égard du cancer du poumon, rendez-vous sur www.giveabreath.ca. À propos de Cancer pulmonaire Canada: Cancer pulmonaire Canada est un organisme de bienfaisance national qui se voue à la sensibilisation, au soutien des patients et des proches aidants, à la promotion de changements dans les politiques et au financement de la recherche afin d'améliorer les issues cliniques pour les personnes atteintes d'un cancer du poumon. Grâce à des événements, comme le 5K Give a Breath, Cancer pulmonaire Canada vise à rallier la population et à plaider en faveur de l'attention et du financement dont le cancer du poumon a désespérément besoin. SOURCE Lung Cancer Canada Renseignements: Source : Peter Glazier, Conseiller principal, Affaires publiques, communications et stratégie, Tél. : 416 879-1953, Courriel : [email protected] Read More Clinical Trials Questions To Ask Patient Stories Community Activities Donate Now Peer to Peer Network