June is RET Awareness month!

RET is a mutation of the RET gene that results in cancer cells to multiply and spread. RET alterations occur in 2% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), with a higher percentage of patients being younger (<60) and never-smokers. 

RET alterations occur in papillary thyroid cancers, a majority of advanced sporadic medullary thyroid cancers, as well as many other cancers, including pancreatic, colorectal, bladder and breast.

And, through a crappy case of bad luck luck, I have it!

In Sept 2021, I was diagnosed with RET+ metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).  Obviously, it was somewhat jarring to hear considering I’ve never smoked in my life. Sadly, I quickly discovered RET — like the honey badger — doesn’t give a shit. :)

However, despite being a rare mutation, I have been very fortunate to have an amazing targeted therapy that has kept it at bay so far.  This magic pill has been my lifeline and is the product of recent years of research in the field of oncagene cancers like mine. 

That is where y’all come in.  RET Fusion is unknown to most everyone and even more sorely underfunded with research. My goal is to share awareness of this weird mutation and help raise funds to eventually make this a chronic disease. 

If you can, please donate to this great cause if you can.  No donation is too big or too small, and I greatly appreciate your support!  ❤️

Eric