Home / Resources / Patient Stories MaryAnn Bradley My life has not been an easy one. I lost my father, sister and first husband within five years of each other. My father died of lung cancer and my sister of pancreatic cancer. I knew I had a strong family history for cancer but never really felt it would affect me. Afterall, I was doing everything I could to take care of myself. Living a healthy lifestyle and enjoying life as a wife, mother, and grandmother and loving every minute of it. In early 2014, I developed a radiating pain in my left carotid artery. I thought I was developing heart disease. My family physician was wonderful. He sent me for every test possible; Stress test, Echocardiogram, MUGA scan, Carotid ultrasound, ECG and bloodwork. Everything came back negative for any heart disease. So, I decided I would just live with the pain. However, in August of 2014 the pain worsened and I needed to know once and for all what was causing it. I went to the Emergency Department where I was admitted. I begged the cardiologist to keep investigating as previous testing had been inconclusive. Further heart tests were done, including a chest x-ray, angiogram, and another MUGA scan. Low and behold the chest x-ray, showed a spot. After having a CT scan it was conclusive, they believed it was cancer. What a blow! I felt like I had been kicked in the stomach. I wanted so badly to just throw up, however I had to be cool, after all, I couldn’t show weakness. I was tough and strong and for that first few minutes, I felt that they were wrong or could be wrong. There is always hope, right? Perhaps they were wrong. The biopsy confirmed I had NSCLC. A 2.5 cm Adenocarcinoma in the upper lobe of my right lung. From that moment on my world was shattered. The only thing I knew about lung cancer was that my father had died of it 24 years before. I was dying, at least that is what resonated with me, and that was the only thing I could think about. I was referred to a thoracic surgeon who told me that I was a candidate for surgery and they would be taking out the tumour via VATS procedure, (Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a type of thoracic surgery performed using a small video camera that is introduced into the patient's chest via small incisions). And that was that. Just cut it out and things would be great, or that is how the doctors made it sound. They were very confident, but all I could think about was that I was dying and there was no help for me. My recovery went very well. I had little pain and felt very well overall. I was back into getting on with my life within four weeks. However, it bothered me that I was never offered any educational materials; I wasn’t told about mutations or staging after surgery. I was told absolutely nothing other than this was their plan and would be followed up in three months time. I have a very strong faith in God and I asked him to intervene and take over the driving on this. I simply was not strong enough to take all of it in. I promised that if I lived through the surgery and recovery, I would continue to do His will. I would help others with lung cancer to learn and understand more about their disease and I would educate myself so I could share what I had learned and gone through. My story is one of persistence, self-advocacy and early diagnosis. It has been five years since that miserable day when I found out I had lung cancer, and I am happy to say that through God’s grace and surgery I can now give back to the Lung Cancer community in the many ways I had hoped to. I am a proud Lung Cancer advocate and I remain very happy to help others who are going through this frightening diagnosis. I have a special interest in Early Diagnosis in Lung Cancer. It is because of this very scary disease that I have made some truly wonderful friends who also have lung cancer. Many have shared in my goal to build a Canadian Lung Cancer Support community, which began with the creation of a Facebook group for Canadians with Lung Cancer called, “Canadian Lung Cancer Advocacy - Breathe Hope.” Our group is slowly building and offers support to lung cancer patients and caregivers from coast to coast in Canada. MaryAnn Bradley Lung Cancer Advocate MaryAnn is an avid lung cancer advocate and has been a member of the Lung Cancer Canada family for many years. She is a member of our programs committee and a peer-to-peer support group mentor. We thank MaryAnn for her support, advocacy and passion. #HopeUnites 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 MaryAnn Bradley My life has not been an easy one. I lost my father, sister and first husband within five years of each other. My father died of lung cancer and my sister of pancreatic cancer. I knew I had a strong family history for cancer but never really felt it would affect me. Afterall, I was doing everything I could to take care of myself. Living a healthy lifestyle and enjoying life as a wife, mother, and grandmother and loving every minute of it. In early 2014, I developed a radiating pain in my left carotid artery. I thought I was developing heart disease. My family physician was wonderful. He sent me for every test possible; Stress test, Echocardiogram, MUGA scan, Carotid ultrasound, ECG and bloodwork. Everything came back negative for any heart disease. So, I decided I would just live with the pain. However, in August of 2014 the pain worsened and I needed to know once and for all what was causing it. I went to the Emergency Department where I was admitted. I begged the cardiologist to keep investigating as previous testing had been inconclusive. Further heart tests were done, including a chest x-ray, angiogram, and another MUGA scan. Low and behold the chest x-ray, showed a spot. After having a CT scan it was conclusive, they believed it was cancer. What a blow! I felt like I had been kicked in the stomach. I wanted so badly to just throw up, however I had to be cool, after all, I couldn’t show weakness. I was tough and strong and for that first few minutes, I felt that they were wrong or could be wrong. There is always hope, right? Perhaps they were wrong. The biopsy confirmed I had NSCLC. A 2.5 cm Adenocarcinoma in the upper lobe of my right lung. From that moment on my world was shattered. The only thing I knew about lung cancer was that my father had died of it 24 years before. I was dying, at least that is what resonated with me, and that was the only thing I could think about. I was referred to a thoracic surgeon who told me that I was a candidate for surgery and they would be taking out the tumour via VATS procedure, (Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a type of thoracic surgery performed using a small video camera that is introduced into the patient's chest via small incisions). And that was that. Just cut it out and things would be great, or that is how the doctors made it sound. They were very confident, but all I could think about was that I was dying and there was no help for me. My recovery went very well. I had little pain and felt very well overall. I was back into getting on with my life within four weeks. However, it bothered me that I was never offered any educational materials; I wasn’t told about mutations or staging after surgery. I was told absolutely nothing other than this was their plan and would be followed up in three months time. I have a very strong faith in God and I asked him to intervene and take over the driving on this. I simply was not strong enough to take all of it in. I promised that if I lived through the surgery and recovery, I would continue to do His will. I would help others with lung cancer to learn and understand more about their disease and I would educate myself so I could share what I had learned and gone through. My story is one of persistence, self-advocacy and early diagnosis. It has been five years since that miserable day when I found out I had lung cancer, and I am happy to say that through God’s grace and surgery I can now give back to the Lung Cancer community in the many ways I had hoped to. I am a proud Lung Cancer advocate and I remain very happy to help others who are going through this frightening diagnosis. I have a special interest in Early Diagnosis in Lung Cancer. It is because of this very scary disease that I have made some truly wonderful friends who also have lung cancer. Many have shared in my goal to build a Canadian Lung Cancer Support community, which began with the creation of a Facebook group for Canadians with Lung Cancer called, “Canadian Lung Cancer Advocacy - Breathe Hope.” Our group is slowly building and offers support to lung cancer patients and caregivers from coast to coast in Canada. MaryAnn Bradley Lung Cancer Advocate MaryAnn is an avid lung cancer advocate and has been a member of the Lung Cancer Canada family for many years. She is a member of our programs committee and a peer-to-peer support group mentor. We thank MaryAnn for her support, advocacy and passion. #HopeUnites 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