In September 2008, Myrtle Chidester and Cheryl Lamprecht met through a lung cancer networking group sponsored by the Wellness Community. As they shared their stories, each found that they bad been completely blindsided by their diagnosis of lung cancer.

As their dialogue continued, Myrtle and Cheryl discovered that they were equally disturbed by their experiences regarding the general prognoses of lung cancer patients, treatment options available to them, and the ensuing implications for their bodies, their spirits, and their lives.

Accepting in some measure that their own fates may have been cast, Myrtle and Cheryl found strength in their shared commitment to improving the experiences of future lung cancer patients.

Cheryl and Myrtle were shocked to learn the dismal facts surrounding lung cancer . . .
Only 15% of patients survive five years after diagnosis!
There is no effective lung cancer diagnostic screening for early detection!
The majority of lung cancer patients are being diagnosed so late they will die within one year!
A staggering number of people are affected by lung cancer – over 215,000 per year!
More people die of lung cancer than breast, prostate, colon, liver, kidney, and melanoma cancer combined!
From their experiences, Cheryl and Myrtle learned that research funding for more effective lung cancer treatment lags far behind other cancers, and that the treatment options that do exist are limited and come with grave uncertainties regarding side effects, efficacy, and survival.

Most regrettably, Cheryl and Myrtle learned there are virtually no support systems for lung cancer patients. When told of their diagnoses and prognosis, each woman felt alone, without resources or hope.

More than five years later, those memories remain fresh and indelible, and are still painful for both women. There truly is no greater despair than feeling uninformed and without control over your health and your survival.
For more information on the Lung Cancer Connection please visit: http://www.lungcancerconnectioninc.org/