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Lung cancer is a subject that hits close to home for our CRA Line Manager, Sandra Shwab. This year in honor of National Cancer Survivors Day, we’d like to share her son, Stephen Huff’s, story.
Stephen was 29 and a former professional baseball player when he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. This not only devastated his family, but also came as a complete shock- as he had never smoked a single day in his life and took priority in his overall health and staying in shape.
“This is very close to my heart and soul, but without (clinical) research, Stephen would not be here with us today.” – Sandra (Sandy) Shwab.
Sandy and Stephen both credit the Vanderbilt Medical Center and the drug, Alectnib, for his incredible recovery process so far. Per Sandy, “Due to research, specifically the ALEX study, the results were expedited through the FDA and 6 months prior to his diagnosis, the drug (alectnib) was approved. Stephen has been on it from day 1 and has been doing great.”
Now 32, Stephen is three years stable and continues to respond to treatment as of June 1st. Having decided to fight and become a voice dedicated to lung cancer awareness and change, he continues to inspire and raise awareness within his community. Some of his recent projects include an initiative to launch the first ever lung cancer awareness specialty license plate for the state of Tennessee, as well as a donation of $35K just made to the Vanderbilt Medical Center Thoracic Research Program. He and his wife, Emily, also recently welcomed their son, Owen, in January 2020!
To find out more about his story, recent projects, and ways to donate, make sure to check out Stephen’s website: www.thehuffproject.com