Today we’d like to introduce you to Kellie Thomas and Darrelyn Smith.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
We founded LifeLung, inspired by a common goal – to honor and celebrate the loved ones that we have lost to cancer, advocate for lung health, offer support to those living with lung disease, and aid research.
LifeLung’s story begins with a sad coincidence –We each lost a loved one to lung cancer on the 22nd day of a month and both of their names started with the letter ‘D’. Being passionate about saving lives and in honor of our loved ones, we were determined to turn our loss into a legacy. Our mission is to give others what we did not have by informing and preparing families to fight and be victorious in their lung disease journey.
The two of us have shared traits: compassionate, charismatic, visionary, and the courage to leave a lasting difference in the fight against lung disease. We believe that everyone living with cancer has the right to access the best treatment and support. Our mission is to offer physical, emotional, and financial support to those affected. In memory of those we have lost, we strive to create lung health awareness and change the future of those living with lung disease!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
That is an interesting question. I guess it would depend on one’s perspective. The reason why we founded LifeLung was because of the difficult road and journey our loved ones were on battling lung disease. In comparison, ours would appear to be challenging but smoother. There is so much to learn and do when starting a nonprofit. One of the struggles was identifying our short-term and long-term goals. Once we figured those out, we were able to accomplish more. Having a growth mindset has helped us to be productive and positive along the way.
LifeLung Journey. LifeLung Hope. LifeLung Resilience.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
LifeLung is committed to helping prevent lung disease and to ease the burden on people and families living with lung disease. We believe what sets us apart is the awareness of how daily habits and choices can impact the quality of one’s life and the desire to help inform others so they have the information and can be proactive regarding their health.
What is most exciting is the response from our audience. We get a ton of “I did not know,” and ‘this is helpful!” feedback when we post educational information on our platforms. It reassures us that we are on the right path. We want the world to know that you are not alone in your journey. There were things that we did not know when our loved ones were sick. We did not know the right questions to ask or things to do and we were googling just to find ways to help them. We also were not aware of the financial costs involved with having a sick loved one. We want to create a world where people are more prepared and informed. As well as supported.
We are extremely excited to host our first LifeLung Walk. Please join us on November 5, 2022 at Spotts Park, as we begin our powerful LifeLung journey to bring about lung health advocacy, and action. Be a part of the commitment to help prevent lung disease and to ease the burden for people living with lung disease. Join us as we honor the memory of those we’ve lost and uplift those who are in need of our support.
What does success mean to you?
With uniqueness, creativity, and perseverance, we measure LifeLung’s success in achieving our mission. Our mission is to raise lung disease and lung health awareness through education, research, prevention, and support. To offer physical, emotional, and financial support to those affected.
In memory of those we have lost, we strive to create lung health awareness and change the future of those living with lung disease!
LifeLung is also determined to help as many underprivileged families and individuals as possible.
When someone does not have to decide between putting food on the table for their family or paying parking fees while undergoing treatment then we are successful.
In LifeLung’s success, we are honoring the voices of LifeLung; Darrell Eugene Smith and Donna Patricia Thomas Harper.
Darrell Eugene Smith (Darrelyn Smith’s Father) – My father had a heart of gold. My family and I always laugh and say that “he never met a stranger” and would give the clothes off his back to help someone in need. My father was a kind, patient, funny, and loving man. Who meant so much to so many people. His battle with lung cancer started in 2009 and unfortunately, he took his last breath on November 22, 2014. What inspires me each day is how even though he was fighting a long battle, he remained positive, hopeful, and encouraging. My father is my “why” for starting LifeLung. I am grateful for the time I got to spend with him and inspired by the legacy he left.
Donna Patricia Thomas Harper (Kellie Thomas’ aunt) –My Aunt Donna was an extraordinary woman that I admire greatly! Donna Patricia Thomas Harper peacefully departed this life on October 22, 2020, after a yearlong battle with cancer. She is my reason for the founding of LifeLung. She was a loving daughter, a kind sister, a wonderful wife, a doting Mom and Grand Mom, a generous Aunt, and a considerate friend. My Aunt Donna earned a B.S. degree in Psychology and an MBA from Florida A&M University. She was a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, LINKS, and Jack and Jill of America. My Aunt Donna had a love of fashion, she also enjoyed traveling, cooking, and reading inspirational books. Her love of books has inspired my love of books, because of her, I have a library of over three hundred books. I share so many of her same loves, we are connected. She was a pillar in our family and I am so very grateful for her love and presence in my and my family’s life. My angel.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lifelung.org
- Instagram: @lifelung22
- Facebook: @lifelung22
- Twitter: @lifelung22
- Youtube: LifeLung Nonprofit
Image Credits
Bailey Photography
