Lung Cancer Doesn’t Stop Local Woman From Helping Others

Collinsville, Illinois resident, Kimberlee Stone - Hines, isn't physically able to participate in the 10th anniversary of the Fight For Air Climb at the Metropolitan Square building, but that doesn't stop her from getting involved with the American Lung Association in Missouri event.

Before her surprising lung cancer diagnosis in June, 2010, Hines didn't have any symptoms of the disease. Doctors found a nodule on her lung while treating her injuries from a serious car accident. At just 49 years old, Hines, the mother of three young children, was diagnosed with Non-Small Cell Adenocarcinoma Lung Cancer.

“My surgeon walked in and said, ‘Whatever it was that accidentally made us find the lung cancer saved your life, count your blessings,’" said Hines.

Following the diagnosis, the doctors removed about half of her right lung. Fortunately, the cancer was found very early so Hines never had to endure chemotherapy or radiation.

Today, she is not physically able to participate in the Fight For Air Climb due to extreme Asthma, mild Emphesemia and Reduced Lung Function of about 50 percent, so she gives her time as a volunteer.

“I volunteer at this because I feel like my time is a gift, I want to give it back to other people or I don't get to keep it", said Hines. "The stats are ridiculous. The number of people that I know that have lung disease or lung cancer is astronomical. The survival rate is grim, and the funding for Lung Cancer Research is completely unacceptable.”

This year’s Fight For Air Climb at Metropolitan Square is on March 24 at 8 a.m. Registration for the 2018 Fight For Air Climb is currently open online or by calling 314-645-5505.