End of the Road?

ALK-positive lung cancer is often detected in its later stages. Without treatment, patients can die within twelve months. Marlene wasn’t ready to give up. She saw an oncologist in Ohio, who began the treatment. "The doctors soon reached a dead end,” said Marlene. 

Marlene was referred to a study at Massachusetts General Hospital. There was an oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Linn, who specialized in ALK-positive lung cancer. The study required Marlene to go every month to receive the treatment. There was just one problem, and it was a big one: the high cost of travel. Marlene wondered if this was the end of the road. 

Triumph in Travel

That was when Mercy Medical Angels and the Hogan Foundation flew to the rescue. The two charities worked together to pay for and schedule round trip flights for Marlene. She got direct flights both ways. “It was so nice to have all the flight scheduling done,” said Marlene. “I received my itinerary in plenty of time so I could prepare for the flight.” 

The first few times she went to and from Boston, Marlene flew with Southwest. Then she flew with Delta.

“The flights were great,” said Marlene. 

The Strength of Hope

Now, Marlene is doing much better. The cancer treatment is gradually working. Her life is changed – and saved. She may have been diagnosed with two cancers, but she has one strong hope. That hope comes from Mercy Medical Angels. 



“My quality of life is improving,” said Marlene. She adds, “I would not have been able to receive the care I needed without Mercy Medical Angels - thank you so much!”