Ashley Stringer is a member of the American Lung Association’s Lung Cancer Patient Advisory Group.
Her lung cancer journey began in 2017 when she was diagnosed at age 34. Her only symptom was shortness of breath, which was not attributable to lung cancer.
Ashley was completely shocked by her diagnosis as she led a very healthy lifestyle and was young. She felt scared, anxious and worried about what her diagnosis meant for her future. She had two small children at the time and wondered if she would be here to see them become adults.
She underwent surgery locally and was later advised by her oncologist to receive specialized care at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas. Since then, she has had multiple radiation sessions and she is currently on an oral targeted chemotherapy drug.
In terms of unexpected challenges she has encountered on her cancer journey, they primarily center around dealing with the healthcare industry. She has learned to be her own advocate, ask questions, demand answers, research and question the status quo.
Within a year of her diagnosis, Ashley got connected with the American Lung Association by contacting a volunteer and attending a local support group meeting in Oklahoma City. She has met so many wonderful people over the course of her six-year battle with cancer and hopes to share her story to let others know they aren’t alone.
Ashley is a Manager of Compliance with an electric utility company and is married with two children. Her hobbies include traveling, interior decorating, reading, and spending time with her kids.
Her faith and her family are the two most important aspects of her life. By volunteering, she hopes to show her family and others that you can take something negative and turn it around for good by helping others.
