Basking Ridge Mom Walks In Honor Of Dad Fighting Lung Cancer

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Jim Collins has always been there for his daughter Tracy, so when he was diagnosed with lung cancer a little over 10 years ago she began walking for him and hasn’t stopped since.

Tracy Collins of Basking Ridge will be walking for the 10th year in a row at the Lung Cancer Research Foundation’s Northern NJ Free to Breathe Walk on Sunday, Oct. 6 at Horseshoe Lake Park her dad’s honor.

When Jim called Tracy and told her he was diagnosed with small-cell carcinoma lung cancer which is a rare, fast-growing type of cancer she told him "...don’t ever give up."

"He said, 'I won’t let you down'."

"I’m a single mom and have been since I brought my daughter home from the hospital," Collins said. "My dad is the man, he has always been there for me. It is not easy raising my daughter alone."

Collins began researching the disease to find out everything she could about it and any success stories. Even talking to the oncologist on the first visit gave Collins little hope. Jim was only predicted to survive another two years.

Luckily, the cancer was found early on and after going through chemotherapy he has survived and is in remission.

"Dad is unbelievable, he is like a real life superhero," Collins said. "He should not have made it past treatment. With small cell cancer even when you have gone through treatment you should not live past two years and he is now going on 10 years. For dad, I think it was divine intervention."

Collins noted how sadly with this type of lung cancer there have been no changes in any type of treatment in 30 years. So that’s when she began looking at what organizations put the most money towards research - that was Lung Cancer Research Foundation.

She began participating in the Breathe walk every year with her dad, daughter, family members and friends. This year her dad will be in the survivor’s tent as he won’t be walking.

"There’s such a stigma around lung cancer," Collins said. "I think it’s because it is mainly brought by smoking. They say they brought it on themselves and make a judgement as if they deserve to die for their mistakes."

Hoping to bring more awareness to this cause, Collins fundraises each year for lung cancer research at the walk under her team name "This is for our Dad, Jim Collins." Proceeds from the event support the Lung Cancer Research Foundation and its mission to improve lung cancer outcomes. To donate to Tracy’s team click here.

"I've had a core group of friends that come to the event every year and they'll never know how much I appreciate and love them for it! Even though my family has had struggles, I am truly blessed with amazing people around me," Collins said.

The walk event will feature a route of about 3 miles around Horseshoe Lake 72 Eyland Ave, Succasunna. Walkers may complete the entire route or choose an early turnaround point. Check in is at 9:30 a.m. and walk at 11:20 a.m.

As a special way to honor those impacted by lung cancer, participants will also have an opportunity to dedicate a hope flag to a loved one. Music, snacks, and festivities will be available for all ages.

For more information to participate in the walk or to donate click here. There is no registration fee for the event.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.