Donate to help Lam's Cancer Treatment Journey

Hi, my name is Lam Pham, and I never imagined I’d be writing something like this at just 31 years old. April was the month everything changed.

In March, I was living life as usual — going to work, walking normally, lifting and pushing without a second thought. But everything came to a halt when I admitted myself to the hospital with severe shortness of breath on April 6th. What was initially diagnosed as pneumonia quickly escalated into something far more serious.

Over the span of two weeks, I was admitted to the ICU twice, spent multiple days in the hospital, and endured a whirlwind of procedures.

Doctors discovered a significant buildup of fluid in my left lung, which became a major concern. But the biggest blow came on April 9th, when I received a diagnosis, I never saw coming: Stage IV lung cancer.

I’ve never smoked. Like many, I thought lung cancer was mostly linked to smoking. But I’ve since learned I have a rare genetic mutation known as the ALK gene — something that affects only about 10–15% of Asian patients with lung cancer. In my case, the cancer has already spread to my spine, lymph nodes near both clavicles, and abdomen.

This diagnosis has changed the way I look at life completely. I'm now focused on resting and recovering while fighting this disease — and I’m humbly reaching out for help.

Your donation will go directly toward my growing medical expenses: treatments, specialist visits, scans, medications, and more. Every dollar makes a difference, and every share helps my story reach someone who might be able to give.

If you're unable to donate, please consider sharing this page with your friends, family, or community.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your support — in any form — means the world to me.

With gratitude,

Lam