Stage4Hope Launches to Transform Advanced-Stage Cancer Care
We are pleased to announce the official launch of Stage4HopeTM, a 501(c)(3) public charity! We have a powerful mission: to improve the lives of individuals diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer by accelerating access to world-class cancer care, providing financial and emotional support, and investing in cutting-edge research in precision oncology.
Founded by Stacy L. Carter—a mother, entrepreneur, and non-smoker diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in 2023—Stage4Hope was born out of her own journey and the urgent need to bring hope, clarity, and purpose to others facing similar diagnoses.
“I started Stage4Hope because I know what it’s like to hear the words ‘stage IV’ and to have my whole world fall apart,” says Stacy. “What carried me forward was finding purpose in the midst of the pain. Now, we’re building a place where patients can access expert care quickly, find emotional healing, and rediscover hope and purpose—even in the middle of the storm.”
Top Questions to Ask After a Lung Cancer Diagnosis
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer, knowing what questions to ask can make a major difference in your treatment journey. Dr. Mark Awad, a leading lung cancer expert at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK), emphasizes the importance of understanding your specific type and stage of lung cancer — whether it’s small cell or non-small cell — and making sure all the necessary scans have been done to determine where the cancer is in the body. It’s also vital to ask about comprehensive genomic and biomarker testing, which can uncover genetic mutations and guide your doctors to the most effective, personalized treatment options, including immunotherapy or targeted drugs.
Dr. Awad also stresses the value of being treated by a dedicated lung cancer team with extensive experience, and encourages patients to seek a second opinion to ensure the best care. While starting treatment quickly may feel urgent, gathering complete information first often leads to better long-term outcomes. Many treatment centers, including MSK, offer care options closer to home and provide support services to help manage side effects, improve quality of life, and support emotional and practical needs. Most importantly, communicate openly with your care team about your goals and what’s most meaningful to you — so your treatment can support your whole life, not just your diagnosis. (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)
Hope for KRAS-G12D Lung Cancer
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center researchers have reported promising results from a first-of-its-kind clinical trial targeting the KRAS-G12D mutation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The experimental drug zoldonrasib (RMC-9805) demonstrated significant tumor shrinkage in 61% of participants who had previously not responded to standard treatments. These findings offer hope for patients with this challenging mutation subtype.
Addressing ‘Brain Fog’ After CAR T-Cell Therapy
Stanford University researchers are investigating cognitive side effects, like memory loss and brain fog, following CAR T-cell therapy. Their goal: improve post-treatment support for cancer survivors.
Photo: In therapy- or illness-induced brain fog (right), microglia produce inflammatory chemicals that deplete oligodendroglial cells and their created myelin. Researchers have partly reversed this process in mice.
Emily Moskal
News: Explore Our Website
We are proud to launch our new website—Stage4hope.org—an informative space created to support individuals living with advanced-stage cancer.
Stage4Hope is accelerating your path to world-class cancer care by removing barriers, offering connection, and walking alongside you with dignity and support.
From no-cost retreats and informative resources to financial assistance and clinical trial guidance, our site provides tools that help patients and families navigate this journey with greater clarity and care.
At the heart of everything we do is a belief worth repeating:
“Our vision is to show those living with advanced-stage cancer that life doesn’t end with a diagnosis. There is still hope. There is still purpose. And there is still a life worth living.”
We invite you to explore the new website, share it with others, and return often as we grow our services and community.
The Latest Advances in Lung Cancer Treatment
In the article “The Latest Advances in Lung Cancer Treatment,” Abe Rosenberg highlights groundbreaking developments at City of Hope that are transforming the prognosis for lung cancer patients. Dr. Ravi Salgia, a leading oncologist at the institution, emphasizes a shift towards curative approaches even for advanced stages of the disease. The piece delves into innovative treatments such as targeted therapies that hone in on specific genetic mutations, immunotherapies that empower the immune system to combat cancer cells, and refined chemotherapy techniques that minimize harm to healthy tissue. These advancements collectively signify a new era in lung cancer care, offering renewed hope to patients and clinicians alike.
Who Can Participate? Understanding Inclusion & Exclusion Criteria of Clinical Trials
Many clinical trials are designed for patients who have not yet started treatment, meaning some trials may offer the best first-line therapy available. Exploring clinical trial options early in your treatment journey may provide access to cutting-edge treatments before they are widely available.
Some patients mistakenly believe that clinical trials are a last resort, but waiting until standard treatments fail could disqualify you from participating in certain studies. Trials have strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure the safety of participants and the validity of the data collected.
Eligibility criteria vary by study and may consider:
- Genetic mutations (e.g., a trial may require a BRCA mutation for eligibility)
- Type and stage of cancer
- Previous treatments received
- Lab test results and medical history
If you are considering a clinical trial, it is important to discuss your options with your doctor early in your diagnosis. By understanding what trials are available, you can make an informed decision about whether a breakthrough therapy could be the right option for you.
