As I think is the case with so many in the ALK Positive lung cancer community, Linnea’s story was the first I came across when searching online for information about the terrible diagnosis I’d just received. To find Linnea’s wonderful blog, full of her stories of living vibrantly and advocating fiercely for people with lung cancer, was just what I needed to give me hope at a dark time. When I happened to spot Linnea a couple of months later in the waiting room at MGH Cancer Center, I felt like I was seeing a celebrity! I got up my nerve to introduce myself, and Linnea was so gracious and not at all bothered to have her quiet time interrupted by a new fan! I enjoyed getting to know Linnea better over the next few years, as we saw each other at lung cancer conferences and worked together on ALK Positive projects. We enjoyed talking about our kids, and she gave great advice on living with lung cancer for the long haul.

Linnea’s clinical trial participation enabled the development of multiple treatments for our type of cancer. Her contributions are prolonging the lives of countless people with ALK+ cancer all over the world, and I like to think there’s a piece of her spirit in each of us.

Here’s a photo of Linnea after her awesome November 2019 TED talk in Boston, celebrating a few days before her 60th birthday.

Thinking of you all as you celebrate her life today, especially Linnea's family and all who loved her. -Emily