Home / Resources / Patient Stories Heather Hogan My name is Heather Hogan and I live in Woodstock, New Brunswick. In September 2012 at 52, I was diagnosed with stage 3A non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), specifically adenocarcinoma of the lung. My family and I were devastated. I can only describe those first months as a blur. All these questions swirled in my mind. Future? Will I have a future? Am I dying? Yes, I am dying. What about my family? My husband, my kids, my parents? I planned my funeral numerous times. How can you look to the future when you might not have a future? I had no idea how to deal with this. In the blink of an eye, we were thrust into a whole new world filled with oncologists and radiation oncologists, bloodwork, more CT scans, PET scans and hospital waiting rooms. We had to learn a whole new vocabulary. This wasn’t in my life plan. Hearing that I had a 15% chance of surviving 5 years brought my world crashing down around us. So many thoughts and fears came in waves as I began this rollercoaster ride. Over the next ten months, I went through two lung surgeries, four rounds of chemo and twenty-five radiation treatments. Some days, I would cry continuously, others, I spent walking around Walmart trying to feel normal. I went to counselling, prayed a lot, did yoga, had reiki and acupuncture, prayed a lot, learned to meditate, cried and prayed a lot. My anxiety and sleeplessness were through the roof, however, my GP helped me deal with that. Finally, on June 3, 2013, my husband and I walked out of the hospital after my last radiation treatment. Now what? My life had revolved around a calendar. My next scheduled appointment was in three months. I felt like I was on the high wire without a net. For the next two years, I was scheduled for scans every 3 months, then, I would move to scans every six months and now, I am on yearly scans which is the plan I will follow for the rest of my life. As of June 3rd, 2019, I was 6 years, post treatment, with no evidence of active cancer. We have all experienced the loss of friends and loved ones to this disease. There is rarely a day that goes by, that we don’t hear about another person diagnosed with cancer or that someone has passed away from cancer. It can be overwhelming but we have a choice about how we deal with each day. There are lots of tough days but I am grateful each morning that I wake up. I can’t speak about my journey without mentioning the important role of caregivers. In my case, it is my husband, Bill. He is the one who researched my cancer, asked the questions at appointments, got copies of all of my reports and blood work and studied the information to better understand my cancer. He has never left my side and carried the weight of my care on his shoulders. Three years ago, I retired from my teaching position and have become a lung cancer advocate and peer to peer mentor to encourage and support lung cancer patients. I have helped to create a Facebook site for Canadian lung cancer patients called, “Canadian Lung Cancer Advocacy – Breathe Hope.” I am also a member of Lung Cancer Canada, and I play a part in creating avenues for lung cancer patients to get connected and find needed support. This journey has introduced me to so many wonderful lung cancer survivors and advocates around the world, many of whom I have never met in person. Together, we advocate for early diagnosis, research dollars and life-saving treatments. No one person can do this alone and you are never alone. Cancer has taught me several lessons: We only have today. Life can change with one phone call. Laughter is great medicine. Reaching out to those who are hurting does wonders for you both. Strangers can become great friends because they understand. Not knowing what to say is better than saying nothing at all. It’s ok to ask for help. You don’t have to do this alone. Prayer is comforting. 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 Heather Hogan My name is Heather Hogan and I live in Woodstock, New Brunswick. In September 2012 at 52, I was diagnosed with stage 3A non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), specifically adenocarcinoma of the lung. My family and I were devastated. I can only describe those first months as a blur. All these questions swirled in my mind. Future? Will I have a future? Am I dying? Yes, I am dying. What about my family? My husband, my kids, my parents? I planned my funeral numerous times. How can you look to the future when you might not have a future? I had no idea how to deal with this. In the blink of an eye, we were thrust into a whole new world filled with oncologists and radiation oncologists, bloodwork, more CT scans, PET scans and hospital waiting rooms. We had to learn a whole new vocabulary. This wasn’t in my life plan. Hearing that I had a 15% chance of surviving 5 years brought my world crashing down around us. So many thoughts and fears came in waves as I began this rollercoaster ride. Over the next ten months, I went through two lung surgeries, four rounds of chemo and twenty-five radiation treatments. Some days, I would cry continuously, others, I spent walking around Walmart trying to feel normal. I went to counselling, prayed a lot, did yoga, had reiki and acupuncture, prayed a lot, learned to meditate, cried and prayed a lot. My anxiety and sleeplessness were through the roof, however, my GP helped me deal with that. Finally, on June 3, 2013, my husband and I walked out of the hospital after my last radiation treatment. Now what? My life had revolved around a calendar. My next scheduled appointment was in three months. I felt like I was on the high wire without a net. For the next two years, I was scheduled for scans every 3 months, then, I would move to scans every six months and now, I am on yearly scans which is the plan I will follow for the rest of my life. As of June 3rd, 2019, I was 6 years, post treatment, with no evidence of active cancer. We have all experienced the loss of friends and loved ones to this disease. There is rarely a day that goes by, that we don’t hear about another person diagnosed with cancer or that someone has passed away from cancer. It can be overwhelming but we have a choice about how we deal with each day. There are lots of tough days but I am grateful each morning that I wake up. I can’t speak about my journey without mentioning the important role of caregivers. In my case, it is my husband, Bill. He is the one who researched my cancer, asked the questions at appointments, got copies of all of my reports and blood work and studied the information to better understand my cancer. He has never left my side and carried the weight of my care on his shoulders. Three years ago, I retired from my teaching position and have become a lung cancer advocate and peer to peer mentor to encourage and support lung cancer patients. I have helped to create a Facebook site for Canadian lung cancer patients called, “Canadian Lung Cancer Advocacy – Breathe Hope.” I am also a member of Lung Cancer Canada, and I play a part in creating avenues for lung cancer patients to get connected and find needed support. This journey has introduced me to so many wonderful lung cancer survivors and advocates around the world, many of whom I have never met in person. Together, we advocate for early diagnosis, research dollars and life-saving treatments. No one person can do this alone and you are never alone. Cancer has taught me several lessons: We only have today. Life can change with one phone call. Laughter is great medicine. Reaching out to those who are hurting does wonders for you both. Strangers can become great friends because they understand. Not knowing what to say is better than saying nothing at all. It’s ok to ask for help. You don’t have to do this alone. Prayer is comforting. 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