Meet Shirley, an avid traveler, translator, and lung cancer survivor-advocate from La Puente, CA.

Shirley was diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC at the age of 34. She did not have any risk factors, so it took almost a year for her to receive a diagnosis. Initially, doctors thought her bad cough and shortness of breath could have been caused by other health issues, such as pneumonia, asthma, or COVID. After undergoing several more tests, including a CT scan, a biopsy, and an MRI, Shirley decided to change her insurance plan so that she could switch care providers. After reviewing her medical records and test results, Shirley’s new oncologist assured her that the cancer was only in her right lung and pleura – and that it was treatable. Shirley underwent chemotherapy and radiation before comprehensive biomarker testing revealed that she had the ALK mutation, and she switched to targeted therapy. 

Shirley and her husband, Richard, were married one week after her diagnosis. She is currently stable and able to balance work, advocacy, and traveling. In the past three years, they have traveled to France, South Korea, and Japan. Shirley has found support through her husband and connecting with other ALK patients online and at survivorship conferences, like LUNGevity’s HOPE Summit, which Shirley attended for the first time in May 2023.  

At HOPE Summit, Shirley joined the LUNGevity Action Network to share her experiences and perspectives on issues that impact people with lung cancer with policymakers. She was also featured in LUNGevity’s Transforming Lung Cancer campaign, which weaves together diverse stories to demonstrate that anyone can get lung cancer, and thanks to advances in research, people can now live with the disease. 

“As an advocate for my fellow lung cancer patients, I am committed to amplifying their voices and advocating for their needs, especially for the younger lung cancer patients and the Spanish-speaking lung cancer patients who are often underrepresented in the lung cancer community,” says Shirley. “By advocating for inclusive research practices, equitable access to clinical trials, and increased funding for innovative treatments, I hope I can help prioritize patient-centered approaches that will ultimately lead to better prevention, detection, and treatment strategies for this disease.” 

Shirley wants to help others in the Latino community avoid the challenges she experienced in getting diagnosed and to reassure people that new tests and therapies can help. She has been featured in awareness campaigns in English and Spanish with her cancer center and with lung cancer research and advocacy organizations like LUNGevity, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and local and national news media. 

One of the key things she wants to communicate, in any language, is that treatment advances mean many people with lung cancer can continue to live fulfilling lives. 

Shirley’s advice for new advocates is to keep up to date with the latest developments in lung cancer research and treatment options. "Don’t be afraid to speak with the scientists who are working behind the scenes to help us thrive,” says Shirley. “They love hearing the stories of the people whose lives they are changing and being able to put a face to their research work!”