Category: Patient & Care Partner Stories
- ALK Experts
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International Patient Spotlight: Vivian McIntyre
Vivian McIntyre shares her journey from Stage IV diagnosis to becoming involved with ALK Positive Canada and finding connection within the global ALK-positive community.
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Patient Spotlight: Rick Mallick
We interviewed 18-year ALK survivor Rick Mallick about his long journey with ALK+ lung cancer, the wisdom he has gained along the way, what keeps him grounded, and so much more.
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Patient Spotlight: Nikki Hirsch
After being diagnosed with Stage IV ALK-positive lung cancer in 2021, Nikki Hirsch found strength through community, advocacy, and connection. From leading the Single ALKies sessions on ALKtALK to organizing community fundraisers, Nikki shares how staying informed, supporting others, and finding joy in everyday moments help her navigate life with hope.
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Carrying Forward a Legacy: An Interview with Chad David Jasso of the Dave Jasso Foundation
The Dave Jasso Foundation exists with a dual mission: to actively fundraise for ALK Positive, supporting their critical research in the fight against ALK-positive lung cancer, and to honor the enduring legacy of Dave Jasso.
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The Colin Barton Spirit of Courage Award
At the 2025 ALK Summit in San Diego, ALK Positive proudly introduced the Colin Barton Spirit of Courage Award—a tribute to the vision, leadership, and tireless dedication of one of our founding members. From helping launch the organization and leading the Medical Committee, to personally funding research and inspiring millions in donations, Colin’s courage has…
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Patient Spotlight: Jake Legasse
At just 15 years old, Jake Lagasse was diagnosed with stage IV ALK-positive lung cancer. Thirteen years later, he continues to defy the odds—running marathons, working full-time, and embracing each day while participating in the Nuvalent 655 clinical trial. Jake credits his family, friends, and community for keeping him strong and reminds others facing ALK+…
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Patient Spotlight: Rick Meyer
We interviewed long term survivor Rick Meyer on his experience with multiple ALK TKIs, his participation in the Nuvalent clinical trial for almost two years and counting, and his overall attitude to life as a thriving ALK patient.
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Patient Spotlight: Celeste Olinger Denver, Colorado, USA
We interviewed long-term ALK survivor, Celeste Olinger, about her somewhat unusual cancer journey, her life, and her new normal since her diagnosis that still keeps her grounded and allows her to thrive.
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Dana Querido
We interviewed patient and ALK Positive volunteer Dana Querido about her journey with ALK+ lung cancer and her active involvement with the ALKtALK Healing Arts, Death Cafe, and more.
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My Thoracentesis Experience
During the Thanksgiving holiday, over a liter of pleural fluid was withdrawn via needle from my right chest space. I had just finished my third cycle of Carboplatin, Pemetrexed, and Lorlatinib after almost ten years of TKIs alone. The fluid first became evident on a PET scan and was classified as moderate effusion. I didn’t…
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Amanda Bialack-Stewart
Amanda has been actively involved in ALK Positive, Inc. through creating and leading the Young ALKies Group. We interviewed her in Los Angeles, California about having been diagnosed right after giving birth to twins at the age of 36, how she manages to balance family, work, fun, and self-care as a patient.
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Rich Gopen
Rich Gopen is an ALK patient and one of our match donors for Lung Cancer Awareness Month (LCAM). We interviewed Rich about his journey with ALK+ lung cancer, what motivates him, and his hopes for the future.