Andrea is a lawyer who lives in Ottawa, Canada with her family. In 2015, Andrea was blindsided by a diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer.

Since her diagnosis, Andrea has been successfully treated with immunotherapy and has become an advocate for more awareness, education, better access to treatments and more research for lung cancer patients.

Through genetic testing at the time of her diagnosis Andrea also learned that she has the RET mutation and is keen to support other RET patients and their families to access new treatments and continue to lead full lives.

Hilary was diagnosed with Stage 4 RET driven NSLC at age 38 when her children were six and eight.

She advocates for more research and better treatments so she and others like her can continue to live better and longer lives.

Chris is an entrepreneur and closet tech tinkerer who lives with his two daughters in Chagrin Falls, OH.

In 2015 Chris's late wife, Dr. Aliye Bricker, was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. He spent the following six years as husband, father, and caregiver, and now hopes to honor Aliye's memory and amazing work through his involvement with RETpositive.

In spite of being a never-smoker with no family cancer history, Emily Walthall was diagnosed with Stage 4 RET-driven NSCLC at age 39.

Because of research, Emily receives a RET-targeted therapy that effectively inhibits the disease with minimal side effects. However, at some point, the cancer is likely to develop resistance and she will be counting on new treatments. Emily advocates for continuing advances in RET treatment and greater support for the RET community.

She lives in the mountains of western North Carolina with her husband and three sweet dogs.

Founder of the @RETpositive Twitter feed

Caregiver for his father who was diagnosed with stage IV RET positive lung cancer in early 2020.

“We might have very well missed the crucial RET diagnosis if it wasn’t for the patient education material and cancer support groups out there. Given the fast pace of research, remaining up to date on your own disease is extremely important to make sure you get the best care available.”