Kevin Humphrey, a 45-year-old endurance athlete, was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer in May 2024. Despite his experience with intense physical activities and healthy lifestyle, he couldn’t shake off the persistent back pain and coughing. After multiple tests and a second opinion, doctors revealed that he had a tumor in his left lung, causing the symptoms.
Humphrey’s diagnosis was a shock to him, given his clean bill of health and lack of family history of cancer. However, with the help of targeted therapy, including immunotherapy and chemotherapy, doctors were able to shrink the tumor enough for surgery. The operation removed most of the cancer, leaving Humphrey with about half of his left lung.
The road to recovery was challenging, but Humphrey persevered. He had surgery in September 2024 and focused on rebuilding his strength and endurance. Despite fears about his ability to continue running, he signed up for Michigan’s Ironman 70.3 race just a year after his diagnosis.
Humphrey finished the race in under five hours, coming in 411th place. His finish was an emotional moment, but also a testament to his resilience and determination. He has since completed the Chicago marathon for the sixth time, finishing about 40 minutes slower than before.
Humphrey’s story is a reminder that with the right treatment and support, it’s possible to overcome even the most dire diagnoses. His case highlights the importance of early detection and targeted therapy in improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ultramarathon-runner-lung-cancer-non-smoker-northwestern-medicine-michigan