‘I wouldn’t be here without him’

On November 3, Indiana resident Gregg Baumbaugh will introduce Dr. Larry Einhorn, oncologist and Distinguished Professor of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine, as the award winner for the coveted American Lung Association in Indiana Legacy Award. This is personal for Gregg, because Dr. Einhorn saved his life by treating his lung cancer with innovative new medications.

“I’m very lucky. I wouldn’t be here without him,” said Gregg about Dr. Einhorn.

In 2009, Gregg had a cold that was initially diagnosed as walking pneumonia. After the antibiotics failed to work, a CT scan and biopsy revealed a five centimeter tumor that was diagnosed as lung cancer. He had his lower left lung removed, underwent chemotherapy, and went into remission. However, three years later, the cancer returned.

“In August 2012, I had a CT scan that revealed three spots on my left lung and two spots on my right lung,” said Baumbaugh. “It had come back and I was devastated.”

Thankfully, Dr. Einhorn had saved his first tumor after the surgery and conducted genetic testing. The test revealed that it had an ALK mutation, which was treatable by a newly approved medication. He started the medication and is still in remission six years later.

This Saturday, Gregg will honor Dr. Einhorn with the Legacy Award and raise money for Lung Cancer research at the Evening of Promise gala.

“Thanks to new research, instead of this [lung cancer] being a death sentence, you treat it as a chronic illness,” said Gregg. “I work full time and live a normal life. I have never let lung cancer define me or affect what I do or how I live my life.”

The Evening of Promise will feature a “future” theme this year to raise awareness for lung cancer and funds for vital lung cancer research. The event takes place on Saturday, November 3 at the JW Marriott Indianapolis. It includes a live and silent auction, live music and dancing. More information, tickets and sponsorship information is available here.