Our History

Lung Cancer Connection is a grassroots, non-profit advocacy group established in St. Louis, Missouri in 2009 by two lung cancer patients Myrtle Chidester and Cheryl Lamprecht. Myrtle and Cheryl met in 2008 through a lung cancer networking group sponsored by the Wellness Community. As they shared their stories, each found they had been completely blindsided by their diagnosis of lung cancer. As their dialogue continued, Myrtle and Cheryl discovered they were equally disturbed by their experiences regarding the general prognoses of lung cancer patients, limited treatment options available to them, the stigma attached to diagnosis, the lack of funding for research and the ensuing implications for their bodies, their spirits, and their lives. Most regrettably, Cheryl and Myrtle also learned there were virtually no support systems for lung cancer patients. When told of their diagnoses and prognoses, each woman felt alone without resources or hope. There truly is no greater despair than feeling uninformed and without control over your health, wellbeing or survival. From this, they became determined to increase local lung cancer patients’ knowledge and to improve their quality of life and medical care. Myrtle and Cheryl found strength in their shared commitment to improving the experiences of lung cancer patients.

 

Through their struggles and hard work, Lung Cancer Connection was founded in 2009 and continues their vision today through patients, survivors, family, friends and medical professionals; all dedicated to providing information, education, resources and hope about this devastating disease.

 

Lung Cancer Connection is committed to fostering action and advocacy to advance the care of lung cancer patients and their caregivers.