Meet the HOPE Summit Ambassadors
A special team of HOPE Summit alumni is available before and during the conference to help first-time attendees feel welcome and navigate the conference.
They can answer your questions, share their experiences, make introductions, and help you get the most out of your HOPE Summit experience.
To connect with a HOPE Summit Ambassador, please email hope@lungevity.org.
Caregiver/Care Partner
David G., Maryland
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Fun fact: I’m a closet polymath. In-person HOPE Summits: 3 times in person. Why are you returning? The HOPE Summit community passed the vibe check. Advice for new attendees: Come as you are, ask as many questions as you need. When it comes to your or your loved one’s health, there are never any “stupid questions.” What else to know: The HOPE Summit is one of the few summits that try to improve on what they provide every year, in terms of key information with actionable insights on the various types of lung cancers, treatments, and best care practices. Also, they actually care, which is rare and heartwarming to see but better to experience. Come as you are, learn as much as you can, and make a few friends along the way. |
Living with Lung Cancer
Rosemary C., Massachusetts
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Fun fact: I worked as a speech-language pathologist for over 40 years! In-person HOPE Summits: 3 times in person, once virtually. Why are you returning? To meet other lung cancer survivors, share my story, bring hope and inspiration to others, and connect with friends and community. Advice for new attendees: Attend sessions that interest you, connect with survivors, share your story, make new friends, and ask questions. Take part in as many opportunities as possible for learning, taking photos, and sharing. What else to know: HOPE Summit is an amazing experience, but it can feel overwhelming for first-timers. Take time out to breathe, rest, and regroup between sessions. |
Ed C., Florida
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Fun fact: I’ve been married to the same woman for 56 years. We have two adult children who live on opposite coasts, and three grandchildren, two on the East Coast and one on the West Coast. In-person HOPE Summits: 2 times in person. Why are you returning? To learn new treatments that may apply to me should I need them, and reunite in person with friends I had made at previous Summits, virtually on Zoom, or as a mentor. Advice for new attendees: Attend as many sessions as possible and speak with as many attendees as possible. What else to know: HOPE Summit is the best place for a lung cancer patient or caregiver to meet others who are in a similar situation. |
Wyatt D., Illinois
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Fun fact: I’m a huge Shania Twain fan and had the amazing opportunity to meet her in December—definitely a highlight of my year! In-person HOPE Summits: Last year was my first HOPE Summit. Why are you returning? To help welcome newcomers and ensure they feel comfortable and supported. It’s important to me to share the sense of community that I’ve found. I’m also excited to learn about any new developments in KRAS treatments and stay up to date on the latest advances. Advice for new attendees: Come with an open mind and be ready to embrace everything the Summit has to offer. Take a look at the itinerary ahead of time and make a game plan, but leave room for spontaneity too. Don’t be afraid to sit at a table with strangers—strike up a conversation, and you might make lifelong friends. Take notes, jot down any questions you have, and make sure to attend some fun, lighthearted sessions like improv. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the experience! What else to know: One of the best things about the HOPE Summit is how approachable everyone is. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—whether through the app or in person. The speakers are always willing to talk and share insights, but one of your most valuable resources is the other attendees. They’ve been through it or are going through it, and the connections you make with them can be incredibly meaningful. Make lots of new friends, share experiences, and support each other! |
Theresa F., Pennsylvania
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Fun facts: I volunteer for a labrador retriever rescue, and it’s extremely rewarding. Another tidbit about me is my power word—believe—and a bumblebee. There is always a bee on me somewhere because I think they are a great source of strength. In-person HOPE Summits: Last year was my first HOPE Summit. Why are you returning? I am extremely excited to meet other lung cancer advocates and their family members. It’s such an honor to be able to go back and learn where research is and what we can expect in the next year for lung cancer research and advocacy. Advice for new attendees: Get involved and sign up for the many sessions being offered on this incredible weekend. At the session, take notes. It’s nice to review your day after it’s complete, and sometimes it’s difficult to remember all that was talked about. What else to know: I would love for people to know how informative and fun this weekend is. It’s a one-in-a-million weekend and meeting many first-time attendees is important. |
Terry G., Illinois
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Fun fact: I ride a Can-Am motorcycle. In-person HOPE Summits? This will be my 11th year attending the HOPE Summit. Why are you returning? To continue spreading hope and compassion. Advice for new attendees: Relax and take in the safe atmosphere. Laugh and cry and get to know your fellow survivors. We are all in the same boat with different paddles. Acquire the vast knowledge and expertise of the speakers and long-term survivors. What else to know: Have fun and give yourself grace while you are here! |
Sherry H., Florida
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Fun fact: You can find me painting with watercolor in my spare time or cuddling with my ragdoll cat, Gizmo. In-person HOPE Summits? 2 times in person. Why are you returning? I look forward to the HOPE Summit because I have learned such valuable information and made many wonderful connections with other survivors and their caregivers. Advice for new attendees: Take notes and pictures of slides from the presentations you attend that are important topics to you. I still find myself referring back to these. What else to know: I have made some of the most meaningful connections with other survivors at HOPE Summit. The information I learned in the sessions has been so valuable. |
Deborah P., Michigan
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Fun fact: I am the founder of the BRAF Bombers. I started this group after doing the BRAF trial to share information and support with the BRAF community. In-person HOPE Summits? 3 times in person. Why are you returning? To stay in touch with other survivors and caregivers and to hear the speakers and stories of hope. Advice for new attendees: Have fun, don’t be afraid to meet all the survivors, and ask lots of questions. Tell your story. You will be surprised at how not alone you really are. What else to know: Listen to all the stories and take in all of what the speakers have to say. There is hope in community. You will feel it right away. |
Ashley V., California
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Fun fact: I am an unofficial national houseplant smuggler. The majority of my 60+ houseplants started as "souvenirs"- aka cuttings I carefully tucked into my suitcase from various destinations. No regrets, just a thriving indoor jungle. In-person HOPE Summits? Once in 2024. Why are you returning? Last year I found an incredible community of people who truly get it. Living with lung cancer can be isolating, but at HOPE Summit I feel seen. This time, I am coming back to reconnect with friends and help foster that same sense of belonging for others. Advice for new attendees: Come hungry, there is no shortage of food! Don’t feel pressured to attend every session; pace yourself and take breaks when you need to. Most importantly, get ready to be welcomed into a family you never knew you needed. Soak it in, ask questions, and know you belong here! What else to know: HOPE Summit isn’t just a conference, it’s a community. It’s a space where people truly understand what it’s like to live with lung cancer, giving you the freedom to share without explanation. HOPE Summit is designed entirely around the patient experience, ensuring that every session is created with us in mind. |
Barry N., Massachusetts
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Fun fact: My faith is important to me and I love sharing it with others. I believe that keeping hope alive is the best feeling ever! In-person HOPE Summits? Last year was my first HOPE Summit. Why are you returning? To support those managing lung cancer and their families, and to share my experiences to help encourage and inspire. Advice for new attendees: Ask lots of questions! Especially ones you may have felt uncomfortable asking others. Seek to get involved with the abundant opportunities to make a difference for other patients and their families. Network, network, network so that you can have other contacts to reach out to after the summit. What else to know: You are not alone. You didn't sign up for this unique group, but you are with bold and courageous individuals who are champions to the end! |
Find your people … the ones that dream with you, fight with you, who have your back and your ear, the ones who stand with you and kneel with you. The ones who see you, including the parts you don’t want seen, who never stop believing even when you do sometimes. Because when you find your people, you don’t just beat the world – you change it.
Toto Wolff to Lewis Hamilton
Email hope@lungevity.org to connect directly with a HOPE Summit Ambassador today!