Note:  University of Louisville Hospital and James Graham Brown Cancer Center physician Dr. Kloecker quoted in USA TODAY article!  – click USA TODAY lung cancer article

When Teresa Secor was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010, she was shocked because she had never smoked a day in her life.  “I just always assumed it was a smoker’s disease,” she said.

But, in actuality, 60% of lung cancer patients are not smokers; a fact most people don’t know.

Lung cancer continues to be a huge problem across the state of Kentucky, and is expected to claim approximately 3,400 lives this year in the commonwealth. That is more than breast, colon, cervical, prostate or ovarian cancers combined.

That’s why Teresa Secor and many others are so passionate about increasing awareness of the disease. Teresa was one of many advocates, survivors and supporters who attended Louisville’s Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Vigil event on Tuesday, November 1 at Slugger Field.

The event, sponsored by Lung Cancer Alliance of Kentucky and Southern Indiana, was held as part of a national program offering the millions of people touched by lung cancer a simple, yet inspirational and effective way to raise awareness, honor loved ones, and get involved in the movement for change.  The touching and moving vigil provided a venue for lung cancer survivors and caregivers to be recognized and their voices to be heard. Rachel Platt of WHAS – 11 TV, was the mistress of ceremonies.

Teresa acknowledges she is one of the lucky ones; her cancer was discovered early during exams for a non-related illness and she was able to be treated effectively and quickly. She is now going on 16 months cancer-free, and has check-ups every four months with Dr. Goetz Kloecker at The James Graham Brown Cancer Center.  Dr. Kloecker is one of the co-chairs of the Shine A Light event, and he is passionate about advocating for lung cancer patients.

“When I was first diagnosed it was the day before my 41^st birthday and I was scared for me and my kids. I wondered, ‘Would this be my last birthday’?” said the mother of three. “But here I am and I want other lung patients to know that there is hope. We all have to speak up for lung cancer.”

For more information, or if you have questions about lung cancer, visit the James Graham Brown Cancer Center, or call (502) 562-HOPE or toll-free (866).