Naperville walk aims to stop lung cancer

Each weekend thousands of people take to the streets of our communities, walking and running to raise money for charities. Every one of them has found a cause to believe in, a bit of hope through helping. And every one of them has a reason for being there.On Saturday, Nov. 6, hundreds of walkers will set off through downtown Naperville, united in their desire to stop lung cancer. The Lung Cancer Walk and Rally, founded by Naperville resident Renee Kosiarek, supports the efforts of LUNGevity. The Chicago-based organization seeks to raise awareness and money to halt the disease, the nation's leading cause of cancer deaths.Each year, 160,000 Americans die of lung cancer and only 15 percent of those diagnosed with the disease live longer than five years.Michele Bowles knows the statistics all too well. Her husband, Tom, was diagnosed 11 years ago. For her family, the walk is their way of continuing to beat the odds.Today, Bowles of Elmhurst shares her family's story.

To me, the 2010 Lung Cancer Walk and Rally in Naperville means that my husband will continue to be with us.

In the fall of 1999 he was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer. Our son was just 3 years old and daughter only 6 months old. At the time, we knew nothing of cancer treatments and immediately thought death was just around the corner. He went through chemo, radiation and surgery to remove his left lung.

About two years later, as our lives were getting back to normal, we received more bad news: two small tumors were found one in his brain and one in his spine. He was placed at Stage 4.

Surgery removed the brain tumor. Radiation to the spine eliminated the cancer there. Healthy new bone even grew back. We were free and clear for another few years. Unfortunately it didn't last.

His hip started to bother him, and scans showed a tumor in his pelvic bone near the hip socket. This was a disheartening moment, once again.

Since then he's been benefiting from newer treatments that research has discovered. He currently goes in for regular chemo and targeted drug therapies. These newer treatments have been keeping the cancer in check; newer treatments that didn't exist 11 years ago when he was diagnosed.

This is exactly why we have the continuing need for research and study. With all that we have been through, we know that we are blessed. Each time cancer has come back in his body, there is something new out there to try, something new to treat it. That wouldn't happen without research.

Even with research and newer treatments, lung cancer is still the number one cancer killer. Within the past few years, I had an uncle who lasted only three months from diagnosis to death. My mom's cousin battled lung cancer for about one year before death. As wonderful as newer treatments can be for some, they don't work for everyone.

A few years ago I decided to do something to raise money for lung cancer research. I was so excited to find LUNGevity, an amazing organization that funds lung cancer research. They introduced me to Renee Kosiarek, the founder of a walk in my area, and I joined the committee to help out at her event. I know every minute I spend with this walk is worthwhile because my husband is surviving.

We have to keep walking and raising money for lung cancer research to help our families, our friends and our future. If you don't know someone who has been affected by lung cancer, you will. It's unfortunate but true.

If you go

<p>What: Eighth annual Lung Cancer Walk and Rally</p>

<p>Why: Proceeds support LUNGevity, which raises awareness and money to fight lung cancer</p>

<p>When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 6</p>

<p>Where: From the Riverwalk Grand Pavillion, west of Centennial Beach on Jackson Avenue in Naperville</p>

<p>Details: Routes of ¾ or 1½ miles available; walkers step off in silence in memory of those who have died of lung cancer</p>

<p>Cost: Free; suggested donation of $20</p>

<p>Info: walkforlungcancer.org</p>