Carlos R., NV

I'm Carlos Ramirez, a single father to two thriving young adults. Life took an unexpected turn when Small Cell Lung Cancer disrupted our entire lives. My wife, Viviane Ramirez Gallegos, passed away from lung cancer at the age of 28, leaving our children, aged 5 and 8 at the time, without their mother.

Viviane, a dedicated Social Worker, began experiencing symptoms at the young age of 25. Despite her illness, she exhibited unwavering determination and a refusal to surrender. Her strong faith in God kept her will to live intact. A week after being accepted into a Master's program to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor, she fell seriously ill with a prognosis of stage four lung cancer, changing the course of our lives.

As her caregiver, I accompanied her to numerous doctor's appointments and chemotherapy sessions, providing care and support at home. Over three years, I witnessed the toll that cancer and chemotherapy exacted on her body. The last days with my wife remain etched in my memory. Under the effects of morphine to alleviate her pain, she bid a heart-wrenching farewell to our children. On July 11, 2010, our entire family gathered as she passed away.

Navigating the role of a single father and the sole caregiver to two young children, I faced resistance from Viviane's family, who doubted my ability to care for them. The initial years were marked by struggle and a sense of confusion. Yet, I proved to myself and others that we could overcome, much like my late wife.

In my current profession, I dedicate myself to advocating, educating, and serving in the realm of equitable Public Health. Today, my daughter joins me as we embark on a journey to create our own home-based business, while my son begins his first year at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas.

Motivated by my personal journey, I am aligning my purpose with the American Lung Association in March for the Lung Force Advocacy Day 2024. My mission is to implore members of Congress for their support in funding the National Institute of Health and the Centers for Disease Control. The goal is to enhance early detection and treatments for lung cancer. This is my way of honoring my wife, keeping her memory alive, and advocating for the millions who have succumbed to lung cancer.