Hello. My name is Shelly Alt. On January 19, 2023 life as I knew it changed forever. I was diagnosed with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Adenocarcinoma. I was devasted and terrified. But I was up for the challenge and ready to fight! On March 20, 2023, I had my upper right lobe of my lung removed which contained a 4.3cm tumor as well as 3 lymph nodes. I was then considered cancer free, but would start 4 rounds of chemotherapy as a precaution. I would then have scans done in July. Unfortunately the scans showed a recurrence of my cancer with six tumors in both lungs. It was determined that I was Stage 4 incurable and very aggressive chemotherapy was scheduled immediately. I also had genetic testing done which showed my cancer was not hereditary (Thank God). It did show that I have a rare genetic mutation within my tumors called KRASQ61H and unfortunately can be chemo resistant. But that wouldn't stop me from trying to beat this! I did a total of 20 rounds of chemotherapy over a course of 15 months. None of it worked.

Thankfully, UW Madison had a clinical trial that became available. I was accepted into the program and started August 5, 2024. The trial was meant to specifically target my rare mutation and kill the cancer cells. I would do oral chemo twice a day, seven days a week at home and weekly visits and testing at UW 1-2 times a week. Initially, I had good results showing shrinkage in 3 of my tumors. Unfortunately, in January 2025 I was pulled from the program due to the extreme side effects and skin toxicity. I was crushed but vowed to continue to push on. I am seeking a 2nd opinion at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN with my 1st appointment on February 11th. My wish is to live long enough to see my granddaughters, Aubree, age 15 and Maciee age 14 graduate from high school.

I have decided that now is the time to ask for help. I anticipate making many trips to Mayo Clinic for treatment and/or participating in another clinical trial. I made 78 trips back and forth to UW Madison and anticipate making even more trips to Mayo Clinic. Expenses such as gas, food, lodging and household bills add up quickly and the financial burden has taken a toll on myself, my partner Kirk and my stepchildren. All of this has been weighing heavily on my mind these past few weeks.

I humbly ask for your support during this difficult time in my life. Any contribution no matter how small will make a difference as I continue to fight my battle against this horrible disease.

Thank you and God Bless,

Shelly