Chad Dunbar, a 45-year-old father from Utah, never imagined he would be diagnosed with lung cancer. He had never smoked and was in excellent shape, leading a youth cycling team and riding over 3,000 miles in the mountains just before his diagnosis in 2022. When doctors told him he had lung cancer, Chad was shocked and struggled to believe it.
In a video for the charity RETpositive, Chad described his reaction to the diagnosis. He thought his lungs were the healthiest part of his body and couldn’t understand how this could happen. The news left him feeling angry and confused, with many questions about why he was affected.
By the time his story was shared online in 2024, Chad’s cancer had spread to his brain, liver, bones, and lymph nodes. The only symptom he had noticed was pain and swelling in his calf, which he thought was from overexertion. It turned out to be a sign of stage 4 cancer.
While lung cancer often causes symptoms like coughing, breathlessness, or tiredness, Chad’s cancer was different. It was caused by a RET gene mutation, which made his cells grow uncontrollably and allowed the cancer to spread to his bones, causing leg pain and weakness.
Despite being told he had just a five percent chance of surviving more than five years, Chad remains hopeful. He decided to focus on the positive and keep fighting, determined to make the most of his chances.
