HOPE Summit Ambassadors

Fun Fact: I love to read. My busy life has transitioned me to audiobooks more lately, but I love getting lost in a good story.  

How many times have you attended an in-person HOPE Summit? I believe I have attended every in-person HOPE summit since 2019.

Why are you returning to HOPE Summit? I love how the HOPE Summit works hard every year to have something that appeals to the needs of survivors! We are regular people who have to live with this disease.  

What advice do you have for 1st time attendees? My advice for 1st time attendees is to pace yourself. There is a lot of great information, and you may miss something, but that's okay because someone will help you get the details you need. Take advantage of any social activities that allow you to meet other survivors. That really is the best part. Finding community.  

When I meet a newly diagnosed person, one of the first things I tell them about is the HOPE Summit. It is more than just a weekend. It is a community of support, tips, wonderful information on latest research.  

What else would you like for people to know about HOPE Summit? I'm so blessed to be doing well, and I look forward to giving back like the survivors who introduced me to LUNGevity and HOPE. Anything I can do to help someone feel less alone in this journey, no matter how small, truly fills my heart.  

Fun Fact: I’m an avid cyclist  

How many times have I attended the HOPE Summit in person: Once, 2025 in Bethesda  

Why are you returning to the HOPE Summit? The HOPE Summit provides hope. It’s an opportunity to meet others like me, and meet those I speak to weekly during the meetups in person. The knowledge and friendships I gain are important to me. I’ve developed friendships due to the HOPE Summit. I don’t feel so alone.  

What advice do you have for 1st time attendees? Attend the resource fair, if at all possible. There’s a lot of good information provided by the vendors, and samples too! Be open to conversations and meeting other survivors. There’s a good chance they are feeling the same way as you, and making friends with those who understand what you are going through is very valuable.  

What else would I like others to know about the HOPE Summit? If I had to describe the HOPE Summit in one word, it would be: inspiring. Seeing so many other survivors in one place, listening to professionals provide updates about new and upcoming research and trial drugs, and learning from other attendees gives me hope and inspiration. It inspires me to keep going and fighting. Meeting long-term survivors is inspiring. All hope isn’t lost, and the HOPE Summit reminds me of that.  

Fun Fact: I’m deeply curious about space exploration and fascinated by technology. 

How many times have you attended an in-person HOPE Summit? 3 times

Why are you returning to HOPE Summit? Without diminishing other more technical conferences, such as ESMO, the HOPE Summit is a more patient-focused conference, where we build friendships for life. 

What advice do you have for 1st time attendees? Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with the people you will meet; many stories bring hope, and we see ourselves reflected in others who are going through the same experiences as we are. 

What else would you like for people to know about HOPE Summit? The Hope Summit is an opportunity for us to meet and reconnect with friends from previous years, which sometimes gives us the energy we need to keep fighting. 

Fun Fact: I like to relax by watching ‘True Crime’ shows.  

How many times have you attended an in-person HOPE Summit? This is my second Hope Summit to attend.  

Why are you returning to HOPE Summit? I am thrilled to be back for a second time, as for me, it's all about the people you meet and the connections you make with others. To be in a room full of people who understand exactly what it is like.

What advice do you have for 1st time attendees? For first-time attendees, I recommend looking over the agenda and seeing what sessions resonate the most with you—and to make those a priority to attend, but to also leave yourself time to explore all of the areas that LUNGevity will have to offer attendees, and of course, mingle with your fellow attendees and make new friends! I have kept in touch with friends I have made at the first HOPE Summit I attended, and it is wonderful to help build a community you can lean into once you are home from the Summit, and until next year—when we hope you will attend again!  

Fun Fact: I ended up at my first HOPE Summit in 2024 somewhat by accident. After a vacation in Orlando, I was driving home to Ohio the weekend of the Summit, which just happened to be in Atlanta for the first time. Call it fate, or serendipity, or just dumb luck—I was meant to be there, and it changed the entire direction of my life.

How many times have you attended an in-person HOPE Summit? 2 times.

Why are you returning to HOPE Summit? Attending HOPE Summit in 2024 was the first time I felt like I wasn’t alone in my lung cancer journey. I love learning and meeting new people, and I am always excited to share the resources and what I learn at HOPE Summit with others. It has been an adventure in supporting other survivors in my community and educating people on lung cancer awareness.

What advice do you have for 1st time attendees? Be open to learning new things and meeting new people, however, don’t feel like you need to be “social” all the time. It’s a time for you, so get out of it what you need, and give yourself permission to take a break if you are tired or overwhelmed.  

What else would you like for people to know about HOPE Summit? It is a wonderful way to find your community! There will be a lot to take in; make sure you take some time to process and focus on a couple of things instead of trying to digest everything all at once. Ask questions, meet people, and enjoy an event that has been put together for YOU! 

Fun Fact: Harmonica player with lung cancer.

How many times have you attended an in-person HOPE Summit? 3 times

Why are you returning to HOPE Summit? Learning new treatments, handling side effects, sharing, and helping others.  

What advice do you have for 1st time attendees? Take notes, ask questions, learn, have fun, and make friends.

What else would you like for people to know about HOPE Summit? It's a group of people who care and understand you and are willing to share their experiences and provide HOPE. 

Fun Fact: My name is Quentin, but I go by Queen’s Son. So when you see me, don’t be afraid to speak. You can call me QS or Queen’s Son! I’m an educator, drummer, and lyricist—music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and it continues to be one of my greatest passions. 

How many times have you attended an in-person HOPE Summit? This will be my second time attending the in-person HOPE Summit. 

Why are you returning to HOPE Summit? I’m returning because HOPE Summit offers a rare space where connection, understanding, and encouragement come naturally. The community here has been meaningful to me, and I want to help create that same sense of support for others. I’m here to learn, uplift, and be present for anyone who may need a steady voice or a listening ear. 

What advice do you have for 1st time attendees? Come ready to connect. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or supporter, you’ll meet people who truly understand what you’re going through. Give yourself permission to listen, share, and receive the encouragement around you. You don’t have to walk this journey alone. 

What else would you like people to know about HOPE Summit? HOPE Summit is more than an event—it’s a community built on compassion, resilience, and shared understanding. It’s a space where every story matters and every person is welcomed with genuine care. The connections you make here stay with you long after the weekend ends.

Fun Fact: I married my husband after knowing him for only 28 days. We eloped in Vegas! We will be celebrating 24 years this June.

How many times have you attended an in-person HOPE Summit? This will be my third time attending.

Why are you returning to HOPE Summit? I’m returning to the HOPE Summit because it’s a place where people affected by lung cancer truly feel seen and understood. As a long-term survivor, it reminds me that none of us are doing this alone. It fills my own cup and gives me the chance to walk alongside others, especially those who are newly diagnosed, with honesty, encouragement, and hope.  

What advice do you have for 1st time attendees? Come just as you are and take it all in at your own pace. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. There is a lot of information and a lot of emotion, but you don’t have to do everything. Ask questions, listen to stories, and don’t be afraid to connect with others. Most of all, remember you are not alone. This community is here to support you, encourage you, and remind you that there is real hope.

What else would you like for people to know about HOPE Summit? One of the great things about HOPE Summit is that it’s more than just sessions and speakers; it’s a community. You’ll hear real stories from patients, survivors, and caregivers, and there are plenty of opportunities to connect one-on-one with real people who are going through the same experience as you. It’s a safe space to be honest about your path, learn practical tips, and leave feeling encouraged, supported, and empowered. Also, don’t forget, and it’s okay to take breaks and just soak it in at your own pace!

Fun Fact: I just became a Master Gardener. Is that fun or nerdy?

How many times have you attended an in-person HOPE Summit? One time

Why are you returning to HOPE Summit? I would like to give back what I received so generously from the HOPE Summit upon being newly diagnosed (HOPE).

What advice do you have for 1st time attendees? Connect with as many people as you can. There is nothing like getting support from folks that understand and can relate to your unique challenges. Hearing how other survivors have dealt with side effects, treatment changes, navigating relationships, and finances is not only helpful but could change the course and duration of your treatment.

What else would you like for people to know about HOPE Summit? This a unique opportunity to focus on being supported through connection, education, and hope for a future living with lung cancer.