Donnita Butler

Donnita is originally from Maine but relocated to the Washington D.C. metro area while serving in the U.S. Navy. She retired in 2017 after a 38-year career in Information Technology with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army. Her journey began as active duty in the Navy; however, with the birth of her sons, she transitioned to a career in civil service, continuing in Information Technology. She enjoys nature, engaging in paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, backpacking, and camping. In 2018, she welcomed her first grandchild, a grandson, followed by the birth of her granddaughter in 2019, bringing much happiness and love to her life. However, she faced a new challenge in her life when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. In late August of 2023, after missing annual cancer screenings for a few years due to the disruptions caused by COVID and the joy of welcoming two new grandbabies, she underwent a low-dose lung cancer screening CT. The results revealed a 1.8cm nodule. In early October of 2023, she underwent robotic resection surgery on her upper left lobe. The pathology report confirmed stage 1A2 Adenocarcinoma. No adjuvant therapy was necessary due to the early stage of the cancer. In December of 2023, biomarker testing revealed a driver mutation, KRAS G12C. Her cancer diagnosis wasn't entirely unexpected, given several risk factors, including a history of tobacco use, a family history of lung cancer, a 15-year exposure to asbestos at her workplace, and living in high radon areas for most of her life. She remains grateful for the swift response and intervention of her medical team. She is currently focusing on her health while also advocating for regular low-dose lung cancer screenings. She hopes to inspire others to prioritize their health and emphasizes the importance of more inclusive lung cancer screening and mental health support services.