A newsletter from the Young Lung Cancer Program 

Welcome to the March edition of our Young Lung Cancer Program newsletter! 

We’re here to support you with resources, updates, and stories that reflect the experiences of young adults living with lung cancer. We hope this month’s highlights feel informative, encouraging, and connected to what matters most to you. 

Q&A Spotlight With Leah  

We asked Leah a few questions about her experience living with EGFR-positive lung cancer, from navigating the early days after diagnosis to managing scan anxiety and what “living well” means to her today. 

We hope her reflections offer encouragement – especially if you’re newly diagnosed. 

Looking back, what do you wish you had known at the time of your diagnosis? 

I wish I had known that I could get lung cancer in the first place and that there were other young lung cancer patients out there living full, meaningful lives. At the beginning of my diagnosis, I really needed a source of hope and inspiration as I started my lung cancer journey. 

What has helped you most when facing scan anxiety or difficult moments? 
I try to prioritize self-care in the week leading up to my scans. I also ask my family to be a little patient with me during that time because I tend to be more on edge than usual. One of the things that helps the most is talking with other young lung cancer patients. Until you’ve lived this experience, it’s very hard to fully understand, and that shared understanding can be incredibly grounding. 

What does “living well” mean to you right now? 
Living well means living my best life one day at a time. I try to prioritize doing at least one thing each day just for myself, whether that’s reading for 10 minutes, enjoying a piece of good chocolate, exercising, resting, talking with a friend, or spending time with my family. I try to stay focused on the present and not look too far into the future, and I’ve become much more aware of the small joys that exist in everyday moments. 

What would you say to someone newly diagnosed? 
I would encourage them not to focus on the statistics and instead find someone on this journey who is a little further ahead and can serve as a source of hope. No two EGFR patients are the same, and there are many brilliant people working every day to develop better treatments. Every day you live brings you one day closer to the next breakthrough. 

Follow the Young Lung Cancer Initiative on social media. 

A Breath of Hope presents Caregiver Burnout and Common Remedies. Attend this free virtual meeting to explore strategies to recognize caregiver stress and learn practical tools to prevent burnout and support your well-being. 

Tuesday, March 24 
7-8:30 p.m. EST 

Forest Therapy for Patients With Metastatic Cancer 

Beginning April 2, join Dana-Farber’s Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living for forest therapy – a gentle, guided practice inspired by the Japanese tradition of forest bathing. Held in the Thea and James Stoneman Healing Garden (Yawkey 3, Longwood campus), these sessions offer a calming space to support physical and emotional well-being. 

This pilot program is open to Dana-Farber patients with metastatic cancer. No prior experience is needed, and you may attend one or more sessions. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. 

Sessions are 1-2 p.m. on: 
April 2, April 24, May 14, May 28, June 4, and June 18. 

To register, email Zakim_Center@dfci.harvard.edu and include which date(s) you plan to attend. 

Wellness House Online Programs

Wellness House offers free live virtual programs for people impacted by cancer and their loved ones – exercise, nutrition, stress management, workshops, and support groups. 

These online sessions are designed to support your physical and emotional well-being – wherever you are. Explore upcoming programs and join from the comfort of home. 

Lungevity HOPE Summit 2026  

A weekend conference for people with lung cancer, survivors, and caregivers focused on living well and building community. The summit features programs for patients/survivors as well as special sessions just for caregivers. 

May 1-3, 2026  
Dallas, TX 

Nutrition during or after treatment (video playlist) 

The Zakim Center’s nutrition playlist on YouTube features oncology dietitians covering topics like appetite changes, nausea, and maintaining strength, designed to support you wherever you are in your care. 

Wire Sculpture Workshop (virtual) 

Tuesday, April 28, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ET 

Bend and twist wire to design your own sculpture, inspired by artwork at the Museum of Fine Arts. You’ll learn simple techniques for shaping figures like people or animals. 

If you’d like scissors mailed to you in advance, please note that when you register. 

To register, email Zakim_Center@dfci.harvard.edu 

Stay connected 

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