Susan Smedley was shocked when, as a young mother at 32, she was diagnosed with lung cancer.
“Since that time, I’ve learned a lot about the reality of lung cancer. I thought it only happened to people in their 80s who had been smokers. That’s not true,” Susan said.
Susan spoke at the Waunakee Rotary Club’s April 12 meeting about the fundraising efforts for lung cancer research she has since become involved in.   
She became active in an organization founded by an oncologist who became frustrated because she had no tools to treat lung cancer. Fifteen years later, what has become the Lung Cancer Research Foundation has raised $32,000 for research and has brought about results.
Twenty years ago, the 5-year survival rate for those with lung cancer was 15 percent, Susan said.
“I am the unicorn standing in the room,” she added.
But today, that survival rate is 18 percent, and the 3 percent increase has happened over the last couple of years. Last year, six new drugs were developed, and today, oncologists know no two lung cancers are the same and respond to the same treatments.
The Lung Cancer Research Foundation is funded largely through walks and yoga challenge events, including the June 16 Free to Breathe Madison Yoga Challenge at Lake Farm Park.
In New York City, galas and high-end donor events help raise funds.
Susan said radon is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer in people who have never smoked.
“It’s a huge problem in our area,” she said, urging the club members to have their homes tested every two years.
Because the lungs have no nerve endings, lung cancer goes undiagnosed until the tumors begin to affect another sensitive parts of the body, and by that time, the cancer has likely metastasized.
With the misconception that the No. 1 cause is smoking, many felt it was a self-inflicted disease and preventable, Susan said, explaining why less funds went for research.
Waunakee resident Nicole Smith is a second-year team captain for the Madison Free to Breathe event. It combines the power of yoga and  breath, and is an event where people can get together and explore wellness.
Yoga reminds you of your breathing, and if you are moving and breathing, you become more aware of it.
Nicole got involved in the event in 2016, and in 2017, she lost her grandmother to lung cancer five months after the diagnosis. She’s raised $3,000 so far and said it’s been great for her.
Several more local events are planned, such as this Saturday’s all-day fundraiser at Octopi Brewing.
The Lone Girl will host a Yoga and Beer Brunch April 26, and on April 28, a concert to benefit the Lung Cancer Research Foundation is planned there.

 

Other news:
–Linda Olson announced that members can now pay dues through the Clubrunner website with a credit card.
–Bob Klostermann said there will be a flash fellowship event with beer involved once the weather warms up. Also, he’s thinking of having the boating event on the Betty Lou. A boat can be rented with a minimum of 25 people. The cost is between $25 and $30 per person. Or the club can just go on one of the public cruises on a Monday or Tuesday night. Also, he’s thinking of having the Steak Fry at the Drumlin Ridge Winery again.
 
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Guests: Susan Smedley, guest of Joe Baer; Regina McFarland, guest of Mark McFarland; Sandy Taylor, guest of Linda Olson.

 

Visiting Rotarians: None.

 

Birthdays: April 20, Michael Blodgett; April 24, Leonard Allen.

 

Anniversaries: April 22, Kathy and Mark Cefalu.

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Greeters: April 19, Bill Erickson and Dan Evans; April 26, Allison Feldbruegge and Jim Fitzpatrick; May 3, Greg Garton and Randy Guttenberg.