Stage4Hope’s partnership with Bear Shadow Featured in Recent Article from MusicFestNews.com
As excitement builds for the upcoming Bear Shadow Music Festival, Stage4Hope is honored to be featured in a recent article from MusicFestNews.com highlighting our partnership with Bear Shadow and the meaningful mission behind it.
The article, “Music with a Mission: Bear Shadow Joins Forces with Stage4Hope,” shines a spotlight on how music and purpose can come together to create real impact for individuals and families facing cancer. We are grateful to MusicFestNews.com for helping amplify our mission and supporting those fighting cancer with compassion, connection, and hope.
Clinical Trial Hope for ROS1 Lung Cancer
Why ROS1 Patients Should Be Watching Zidesamtinib
For people living with ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer, Zidesamtinib is one of the most important new developments to watch. It is being studied in the ARROS-1 clinical trial, and public trial listings show Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Emory Winship Cancer Institute as active sites.
This matters because clinical trials should not be treated as a last resort for ROS1 patients. In some cases, a trial may be worth discussing earlier, especially when side effects, quality of life, or long term planning are already becoming part of the treatment decision. ARROS-1 includes multiple patient groups, including some who are TKI-naïve (not previously treated with a ROS1 targeted drug), which reinforces that this is not only a trial for people who have run out of standard options.
Zidesamtinib for ROS1 Lung Cancer: New Trial Hope
What Is Zidesamtinib?
Zidesamtinib is a targeted medicine being studied for cancers driven by a ROS1 fusion, a specific gene change that can fuel cancer growth. It was designed to help address some of the hardest problems ROS1 patients face, including when earlier targeted drugs stop working and when cancer spreads to the brain. Public company materials also describe activity against certain ROS1 resistance mutations, including G2032R.
Zidesamtinib is not yet FDA approved, but it is moving through FDA review after encouraging trial results. Nuvalent has announced that the FDA accepted its New Drug Application for priority review, with a target action date of September 18, 2026.
Why Is It Getting So Much Attention?
Zidesamtinib has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for patients with ROS1-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who have already been treated with 2 or more ROS1 targeted drugs. That does not mean the drug is already approved, but it does reflect the significance of the early data and can help speed development and review.
Early public results from ARROS-1 have also been encouraging in previously treated ROS1-positive lung cancer, including reported responses, durable benefit in many responders, and activity in patients with brain metastases and certain resistance mutations. These are still results from an ongoing study, but they are one reason many ROS1 patients and doctors are watching zidesamtinib closely.
Who Should Ask About This Trial?
ARROS-1 is not limited to one narrow patient group. According to the public trial listing, the Phase 2 portion includes patients who are TKI-naive, patients who have had 1 prior ROS1 inhibitor, patients who have had 1 prior ROS1 inhibitor plus platinum chemotherapy, patients who have had 2 or more prior ROS1 inhibitors, and a separate cohort for other advanced solid tumors with a ROS1 rearrangement.
That means this trial may be worth asking about in more than one situation. If you are newly diagnosed and TKI-naive, it may be worth discussing. If your current ROS1 treatment is still controlling your cancer but the side effects are significantly hurting your quality of life, it may also be worth discussing. For ROS1 patients, the right time to talk about a trial is not always after progression. Sometimes it is earlier, while there is still time to make a thoughtful decision.
Where Is It Available?
The main study is ARROS-1, an active Phase 1/2 trial listed by the National Cancer Institute. Public listings show both MSK and Winship as active locations.
MSK also lists a separate expanded access pathway for zidesamtinib for certain adults with advanced ROS1-positive cancers whose disease is still growing after treatment. That means some patients may have more than one path to ask about, depending on their situation and eligibility.
Why This Matters for ROS1 Patients
For ROS1-positive lung cancer, this is a real step forward.
The treatment landscape is still moving. New options are still being developed. Clinical trials may offer access to promising therapies earlier than many patients realize. That is why trial review should be part of the conversation for ROS1 patients, especially at leading cancer centers that see these cases often and understand the evolving science.
Too often, patients hear about trials only when they are running out of options. That is too late for some people. For ROS1 patients, the better question is not only, “What do I do after this stops working?” It is also, “Should I already be exploring what comes next?”
What To Do Next
If you or someone you love has ROS1-positive lung cancer, now is a good time to ask:
- Has full molecular testing been done and reviewed recently?
- Is my current treatment still the best fit for both cancer control and quality of life?
- Should a leading cancer center review my case now?
- Should a ROS1 clinical trial be part of my plan now, not later?
- Is ARROS-1 or another trial worth discussing?
At Stage4Hope, we help patients move faster toward leading cancer centers, clinical trial opportunities, and practical support. If distance is part of the challenge, our Travel Expense Grants may also help.
Have ROS1-positive lung cancer? Ask us about expert care, clinical trial options, and travel support.
Stage 4 Cancer: What to Do First
Stage 4 Cancer: What to Do First After Diagnosis
A new cancer diagnosis can make everything feel urgent. Most people are frightened, overwhelmed, and pushed to make decisions before they even understand all their options.
But the earliest days after diagnosis are not just about moving fast. They are about making sure you do not lose options by moving too fast in the wrong direction.
Just Diagnosed with Advanced Cancer? 5 Things to Do Before Starting Treatment
Here are five of the most important things to do before starting treatment.
1. Slow things down and get the right testing first
Do not rush into treatment, especially chemotherapy, before the right information is back.
In many advanced cancers, biomarker testing can affect first line treatment decisions. NCI explains that biomarker testing looks for genes, proteins, and other substances that may help doctors choose treatment, and it can identify changes that affect how certain cancer treatments work.
Ask whether both tissue testing and, when appropriate, blood-based testing have been ordered. If those results could change your first treatment, they should be reviewed before you commit to a plan.
That means the first question should not be, “How fast can I start chemo?” It should be:
“Has my cancer been fully tested so I know all of my treatment options first?”
2. Do not choose first treatment until all options are discussed
The first treatment often matters the most because it can shape what options remain later.
Clinical trial eligibility commonly depends in part on prior treatment history, along with cancer type, stage, biomarkers, and overall health. In other words, the treatment you start first can affect what you may qualify for next.
Before deciding, ask your doctor to review all appropriate options, including:
- targeted therapy
- immunotherapy
- chemotherapy
- clinical trials
Do not let urgency push you into chemotherapy before you understand whether another option should be considered first.
3. Ask about clinical trials early, not as a last resort
Many patients think clinical trials are only for people who have run out of options. That is not true. Some trials are available for patients who are newly diagnosed or who have not yet started treatment.
Clinical trials matter because some of the newest cancer drugs are available there first.
Many phase 1 cancer trials, especially for patients with advanced cancer, are dose escalation studies in which participants receive the investigational treatment at different dose levels while researchers study safety and dosing. Patients often worry that joining a clinical trial means getting a placebo and no treatment. In cancer trials, that fear is often misunderstood. NCI says placebos are rarely used in cancer clinical trials and that giving a placebo is not ethical when an effective treatment is available.
A better question to ask is:
“Should a clinical trial be considered before I start standard treatment?”
4. Get treated at, or at minimum get a second opinion from, a major cancer center
Do not assume the first local referral is the best or only option.
NCI-Designated Cancer Centers are recognized for scientific leadership in laboratory and clinical research, and these centers often provide disease-specific expertise, broader access to clinical trials, and treatment approaches that smaller institutions may not offer.
This matters because a major cancer center may see treatment opportunities that a smaller local practice does not.
Even if you ultimately receive treatment locally, getting a second opinion from an NCI designated or other major cancer center can be one of the most important steps you take. Many insurance plans do cover major cancer centers, although referral rules, prior authorizations, and network requirements vary by plan and should be checked quickly.
5. Get support early so you can make clearer decisions
A cancer diagnosis affects far more than the body. It affects how you think, how you sleep, how you process information, and how you handle fear.
That is one reason support matters early. Patients often need space to steady themselves emotionally so they can make informed decisions medically.
At Stage4Hope, we understand that the earliest days after diagnosis can feel like the hardest. That is why we offer Strength for the Journey, our therapist-led virtual support designed specifically for people facing advanced cancer, including Still Me, our program for those who are newly diagnosed.
You do not need to have everything figured out immediately. But you do deserve the chance to make decisions from a place of clarity, not panic.
After a Stage 4 diagnosis, everything can feel urgent. But the goal is not simply to start treatment fast.
The goal is to make sure you start the right treatment first.
Need help taking the next step?
Learn how Stage4Hope helps patients access leading cancer centers and second opinions faster.
Explore our therapist-led virtual support programs for people newly diagnosed with advanced cancer.
Loving Well in Cancer: Virtual Retreat May 23, 2026
Strength for the Journey: Loving Well in Cancer: Virtual Retreat May 23, 2026
Loving Well – Even in the Middle of Cancer (Virtual) on May 23, 2026, is part of the monthly Strength for the Journey retreat series. This 90-minute virtual retreat is led by internationally recognized therapist and author Dr. Sharon May, Ph.D., LMFT, and is created specifically for cancer patients and caregivers.
Cancer changes relationships. Roles shift, emotions rise quickly, energy runs low, and the people we love most can suddenly feel harder to connect with. Yet research consistently shows that loving, supportive relationships are among the most powerful sources of resilience and healing for both patients and caregivers.
What It Means to Love Well in This Season
Strength for the Journey: Loving Well is a gentle, therapist-led retreat designed for cancer patients and those who walk alongside them. This experience is not about loving perfectly or giving more than you have. It is about learning to love wisely, compassionately, and honestly—without losing yourself.
Grounded in psychology, attachment research, and faith, this retreat creates space to reflect on how cancer impacts connection, how fear and exhaustion show up in relationships, and how small acts of presence, communication, repair, and healthy boundaries can restore closeness and peace.
During this time, you’ll be invited to slow down, breathe, and explore what loving well looks like in this season—at your own pace, without pressure to be strong or have it all together.
If you are longing for steadier, kinder, and more life-giving relationships in the midst of cancer, we invite you to join us.
Location: Online, Zoom link provided upon registration.
Cost: Free of charge
Limited Spots Available- Reserve Your Spot Today for Loving Well in Cancer
Discover Our World-Class Care Partnerships
Stage 4 Cancer Treatment Partnerships
At Stage4Hope, our mission is to accelerate the path to world-class care for patients with late-diagnosis cancer. We’ve partnered with nationally recognized cancer hospitals like Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute and Memorial Sloan Kettering, leaders in genetic testing and precision oncology, to give you direct, fast-track access to world-class care.
We make sure appointments are available in days—not weeks—so you can explore targeted therapies that may work better and cause fewer side effects than traditional chemo. Discover our partnerships:
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
As one of the world’s most respected comprehensive centers devoted exclusively to cancer, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top two cancer hospitals in the country for more than 30 years. Informed by basic research done at the Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in understanding cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it.
Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
At Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Georgia’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, you’ll find leading oncology experts, personalized treatments, and access to innovative clinical trials. Every aspect of care is designed to ease the burden of cancer. Winship is at the forefront of cancer innovation and discovery. Their research is improving how cancer is prevented, detected, diagnosed, treated, and survived, and providing hope for families affected by cancer.
Becoming Your Best (Virtual) April 18, 2026
Strength for the Journey: Becoming Your Best (Virtual) April 18, 2026
The Becoming Your Best virtual event on April 18, 2026, is part of the monthly Strength for the Journey retreat series. This 90-minute virtual retreat is led by internationally recognized therapist and author Dr. Sharon May, Ph.D., LMFT, and is created specifically for cancer patients and caregivers.
When you’re facing cancer or caring or caring for someone who is- life can feel overwhelming, uncertain, and exhausting. You may wonder how to be your best and live well when so much feels out of your control.
We invite you to a gentle retreat led by an internationally recognized therapist and author, Dr. Sharon May, Ph.D., LMFT created specifically for cancer patients and caregivers. Strength for the Journey: Becoming Your Best is not about fixing yourself, staying positive, or doing more. It’s about finding steadiness, meaning, and direction right in the middle of this season.
When grounded in psychology, resilience research, and faith, this retreat offers space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most– your values, your inner life, and who you want to be, even now. You’ll leave feeling more grounded, supported, and less alone.
Come as you are. There is no pressure- only care, understanding, and hope.
Location: Online, Zoom link provided upon registration.
Cost: Free of charge
Limited Spots Available- Reserve Your Spot Today for Becoming Your Best
Stage4Hope Commits $2.5 Million to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to Accelerate Breakthrough Cancer Research
Stage4Hope is proud to announce a $2.5 million multi-year research commitment to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), one of the world’s premier cancer research and treatment institutions. This commitment will help accelerate groundbreaking research to expand treatment options and precision therapies, offering new hope to patients with advanced-stage cancers.
The funding will support translational cancer research led by Alexander Drilon, MD, Chief of the Early Drug Development Service at MSK and a leading investigator in precision oncology. Dr. Drilon’s work focuses on translating scientific discoveries into targeted therapies and advancing them through early-phase clinical trials for patients with cancers driven by specific genetic alterations.
“Support for translational research allows us to move discoveries from the laboratory into clinical trials where they can begin helping patients. We are grateful for Stage4Hope’s commitment to advancing this work and expanding the possibilities for people facing cancers driven by targetable genetic alterations,” said Dr. Drilon.
Since the beginning, Stage4Hope has been building partnerships with premier cancer institutions while expanding programs designed to remove barriers to accessing life-saving care. “This commitment reflects the mission at the heart of Stage4Hope,” Stage4Hope Founder Stacy Carter said. “We are working to accelerate access to the most advanced cancer care in the world, support the research that will shape the future of treatment, and walk alongside patients and families as they navigate one of the most difficult journeys of their lives.”
Through partnerships with leading cancer institutions like MSK, Stage4Hope works to accelerate patient access to specialized cancer care and clinical trials, helping individuals connect quickly with expert physicians and advanced treatment programs. We also provide travel assistance grants for patients who must travel to receive specialized care at premier cancer centers.
Access the full media release here >
To learn more about Stage4Hope’s partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and how to support this work, visit: stage4hope.org/accelerating-access-to-life-saving-cancer-care.
Accelerating Access to Life-Saving Cancer Care
Donate to Cancer Patient Travel Assistance
Donate to help cancer patients access top treatment centers faster. Support travel, clinical trials, and life-saving care today.
A $2.5 Million Commitment Is Just the Beginning
Stage4Hope has committed $2.5 million to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to advance breakthrough cancer research.
But for patients facing advanced cancer, breakthroughs only matter if they can reach them.
And too many patients never do.
❤️DONATE NOW
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The One Thing Patients with Advanced Cancer Want
More time.
More time to live.
More time with the people they love.
More time for treatments to be invented, approved, and then to work.
Because in advanced cancer, time is what creates options.
The best cancer care in the world exists at premiere hospitals like Memorial Sloan Kettering, MD Anderson and City of Hope.
But too many patients never get there in time.
Not because they don’t want to.
Because they can’t afford to travel.
Because access takes too long.
Because the system is hard to navigate when time matters most.
Stage4Hope exists to change that.
- We are building a network of cancer centers committed to faster access.
- We fund travel so patients can reach the care that could change their outcome.
- We invest in research to create new treatment options.
- And we provide professional mental health support to help patients hold on and keep fighting.
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Help Us Move Faster
We’ve committed millions to advancing the future of cancer treatment.
Now help us deliver that future to patients today.
Your support directly helps patients reach leading cancer centers sooner, access targeted therapies and clinical trials, and receive the emotional support they need along the way.
It turns waiting into action, and uncertainty into a clear path forward.
Every dollar helps a patient reach the right care when it matters most.
❤️DONATE NOW
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What Your Donation Does
Every dollar you give helps patients who cannot afford to wait.
The Real Outcome
Your donation will help a patient:
- Get to a premiere cancer center like Memorial Sloan Kettering, who can potentially save their life
- Connect with one of the best specialists in the country
• Access a clinical trial or the right treatment for their specific cancer
• Do it in days instead of weeks
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The Reality We’re Solving
Everyday matters when facing advanced cancer.
Faster access to the right care can mean more options, more time, and more hope for patients and their families.
By getting involved, you are helping ensure that more patients don’t have to navigate this journey alone—or wait longer than they should for the care that could change their outcome.
❤️DONATE NOW
Purchase Your Tickets for Bear Shadow 2026 & Support Stage4Hope
Bear Shadow Music Festival 2026 Tickets | Support Stage4Hope
Mark your calendars for May 29–31, 2026, and join us at Bear Shadow Music Festival for an unforgettable weekend of music, community, and purpose.
As Bear Shadow’s 2026 charity partner, Stage4Hope is honored to be part of this extraordinary event. Proceeds from Friday night’s benefit concert will go directly to Stage4Hope, helping bridge the critical gaps patients and families face after a late-stage cancer diagnosis, providing the support and resources needed most, when time matters most.
When you purchase your tickets to Bear Shadow 2026, you are doing more than attending a music festival. You are helping fund travel to advanced treatments, expand access to clinical trials, and accelerate research that brings hope to families facing advanced-stage cancer.
Be part of something bigger and support Stage4Hope at Bear Shadow. Purchase tickets >
Read the full story about Stage4Hope being featured in The Laurel Magazine and our partnership with the Bear Shadow Music Festival.
What Is Advanced Stage Lung Cancer?
Understanding Lung Cancer Staging and What It Means
A diagnosis of lung cancer can feel overwhelming—especially when you hear the words advanced stage. But understanding what “advanced stage lung cancer” actually means can help you make informed decisions, ask better questions, and feel more prepared for what lies ahead.
At Stage4Hope, we believe knowledge brings clarity—and clarity brings strength.
What Is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer begins when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lungs. There are two primary types:
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) – The most common type (about 80–85% of cases)
- Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) – A more aggressive, fast-growing form
Doctors determine how advanced lung cancer is by assigning it a stage. Staging helps guide treatment decisions and gives insight into how far the cancer has spread.
How Lung Cancer Is Staged
Lung cancer is staged using the TNM system, which looks at:
- T (Tumor): Size and location of the main tumor
- N (Nodes): Whether nearby lymph nodes are involved
- M (Metastasis): Whether cancer has spread to distant organs
Stages range from Stage 0 to Stage IV (4).
Lung Cancer Stages Explained
Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ)
- Cancer cells are only in the lining of the lung
- No invasion into deeper tissue
- Highly treatable when detected
Stage I
- Cancer is confined to the lung
- No spread to lymph nodes
- Often treated with surgery and possibly chemotherapy
Stage II
- Cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes
- Tumor may be larger or invading nearby structures
- Treatment often includes surgery plus chemotherapy
Stage III
- Cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the center of the chest (mediastinum)
- May involve nearby organs or tissues
- Typically treated with a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy
Stage III is sometimes referred to as locally advanced lung cancer.
Stage IV (Advanced Stage Lung Cancer)
Stage IV lung cancer is considered advanced stage.
At this stage:
- Cancer has spread (metastasized) beyond the lungs
- Common sites include the brain, bones, liver, or adrenal glands
- It may involve fluid buildup around the lungs (malignant pleural effusion)
Stage IV is further divided into:
- Stage IVA: Cancer has spread within the chest or to one distant organ
- Stage IVB: Cancer has spread to multiple distant organs
While Stage IV is serious, treatment options have advanced significantly in recent years—especially with targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and precision oncology.
What Does “Advanced Stage Lung Cancer” Mean?
“Advanced stage lung cancer” usually refers to:
- Stage III (locally advanced)
- Stage IV (metastatic lung cancer)
It means the cancer has spread beyond its original location and requires comprehensive treatment rather than surgery alone.
However, advanced does not mean untreatable. Many patients live meaningful, extended lives with new treatment breakthroughs, clinical trials, and personalized medicine.
Treatment Options for Advanced Stage Lung Cancer
Treatment depends on cancer type, genetic mutations, overall health, and personal goals. Options may include:
- Targeted therapy (for specific gene mutations like EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, KRAS)
- Immunotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Clinical trials
- Palliative and supportive care
Genetic testing plays a crucial role in advanced lung cancer treatment, helping match patients with therapies designed specifically for their cancer’s biology.
Living With Advanced Lung Cancer
An advanced stage diagnosis affects more than the body—it impacts emotional health, relationships, finances, and daily life.
Patients often face:
- Travel costs for specialized care
- Access barriers to clinical trials
- Emotional strain
- Financial burdens
That’s where support becomes essential.
You Are Not Alone
At Stage4Hope, we exist to improve the lives of advanced-stage cancer patients by:
- Accelerating access to specialized treatments and clinical trials
- Funding cutting-edge precision oncology research
- Providing financial support for treatment-related travel
- Offering free virtual cancer support groups
- Hosting expert-led training and retreats
Whether you’ve just received a diagnosis or have been navigating advanced lung cancer for years, there is strength in community and hope in innovation.
Stay Connected with Stage4Hope
Learn more about advanced-stage lung cancer, treatment breakthroughs, how treatment timing may matter, and living well with Stage 4 cancer. Join our community to receive updates on research, virtual support groups, retreats, and training opportunities designed specifically for those facing late-stage diagnoses.
You don’t have to walk this journey alone.
Learn More About Our Cancer Travel Expense Grants
Cancer Travel Expense Grants for Stage 3 & 4 Patients
Did you know that Stage4Hope provides Cancer Travel Expense Grants to help advanced-stage cancer patients and their caregivers overcome the financial barriers of traveling for treatment? We know that life-saving care is not always available close to home. These grants help cover the costs of reaching top cancer centers so patients can focus on healing, not logistics. Learn if you qualify and how Stage4Hope can help:
Who Can Apply
- U.S. residents with Stage 3 or Stage 4 cancer
- Must be traveling 100+ miles one-way or require an overnight stay for treatment
- In active treatment or scheduled for a second opinion (Stage 3 or 4 only)
- Support is for the patient and one caregiver
- Applications must include verification from the patient’s oncology team
What We Cover
- Airfare or train tickets
- Hotel stays near the treatment center (must first check free/charity lodging such as Hope Lodge)
- Ground transportation (gas, tolls, parking, ride services, or public transit)
- Meals while traveling for treatment
Grant Amounts
- Typical trip: $500 – $1,000
- High-cost cities or multi-day stays: up to $1,500
- Maximum per patient per 12 months: $1,500 (exceptions possible for urgent needs)
More Grant News: Stage4Hope receives a $50,000 grant from the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation to expand cancer support and treatment for patients in Western North Carolina.
Stage4Hope Featured in The Laurel Magazine Ahead of Bear Shadow Music Festival
Stage4Hope Featured in The Laurel Magazine for Bear Shadow
Stage4Hope is excited to share that we were recently featured in The Laurel Magazine in an article highlighting our partnership with the Bear Shadow Music Festival. The piece showcases our Founder, Stacy Carter’s, journey in developing Stage4Hope, along with her vision for the Ferngrove campus as the future of the Stage4Hope Retreat and Wellness Center and the permanent home of Bear Shadow.
Bear Shadow will take place May 29–31, 2026. Proceeds from Friday night’s benefit concert will go directly to Stage4Hope to fund travel expenses to support cancer patients’ access to advanced treatment.
The article also highlights the exciting future of Ferngrove, creating opportunities for additional events in the years ahead, from smaller performances and donor gatherings to wellness-focused programming that can live alongside the festival weekend. It’s a model designed to support Bear Shadow’s presence and longevity while providing Stage4Hope with a vibrant, community-centered platform to strengthen our mission of providing advanced cancer patients and caregivers the support they need.
Access the full article here >
To learn more about Bear Shadow and purchase tickets, click here >
