Living with
‘va-va-voom’ & Stage 4 lung cancer

I’m Mel, a 57-year-old granny who thrives on life with “va-va-voom.” I’m passionate about dancing, playing with my granddaughter, and advocating for lung cancer awareness.

My lung cancer journey began in 2020, and I was diagnosed with EGFR+ Stage 2 lung cancer. As a non-smoker, I was shocked by the diagnosis, but I’ve remained committed to living life to the fullest.

Now, as a Stage 4 lung cancer patient, I’m dedicated to spreading the message that Stage 4 doesn’t mean we’re about to pop our clogs. I want to show the world that life continues, full of joy, hope, and purpose, even with an advanced diagnosis.

I’m looking forward to giving a talk in Rome to share my experience and raise awareness. It’s vital for people to understand that living with lung cancer—especially for never-smokers like me—comes with its own challenges, but it’s possible to live fully and with purpose.

My goal is to change perceptions of lung cancer, particularly for those with advanced stages, and empower others to advocate for early diagnosis and better awareness of this disease. Let’s help the world understand that life after a lung cancer diagnosis can still be filled with joy, hope, and milestones.