What happened, in summary

Maureen’s lung cancer was found by accident. After an infection, she had a CT scan that showed a spot on her lung. She was told to follow up in 6 months, and in May 2015 she was diagnosed with Stage I non-small cell lung cancer. For several years, the cancer story appeared to be early-stage. That changed in July 2021, when Maureen had surgery because the cancer had progressed. In December 2021, she received radiation therapy and then heard news that felt devastating: she had Stage IV lung cancer. The fear was especially personal because her father, uncle, and aunt had all died within 6 to 9 months of learning they had Stage IV disease. Testing found a KRAS mutation. Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted-therapy drug names were not shared. Maureen became active in lung cancer advocacy, including LCRF and KRAS Kickers, and supported federal lung cancer research funding. She also joined a Free to Breathe Walk in New York City. Living with Stage IV KRAS-mutated lung cancer, she focused on family, hope, and the goal of being present for her 3 daughters and future grandchildren.