Dr. Sydney Barned is an internal medicine physician, lung cancer survivor, and patient advocate who brings a unique perspective from both sides of the stethoscope. Diagnosed with stage IV ALK-positive lung cancer at age 33, she uses her lived and clinical experiences to advocate for greater awareness, equitable access to care, and the elimination of lung cancer stigma.

Sydney works to bridge the gap between patients and the medical and research communities, helping ensure that patient experiences and priorities are understood and represented in research, education, and advocacy. She is particularly passionate about dismantling lung cancer stigma, challenging assumptions about who develops the disease, and reinforcing the message that anyone with lungs can get lung cancer.

Through her advocacy, Sydney strives to help patients feel informed and empowered while encouraging clinicians, researchers, and the broader public to see the person beyond the diagnosis.

Jaymie Knox, widely known as Jams, was diagnosed with Stage IV ALK-positive Lung Cancer in December 2018 at the age of 32. Refusing to let her diagnosis define her, she continues to thrive professionally as a Regional Facilities Manager, while also hosting podcasts and actively advocating for lung cancer awareness.

A passionate advocate and new fitness enthusiast, Jaymie uses physical activity as a personal form of resistance and empowerment—remaining more active now than ever before. She leverages every platform available to challenge misconceptions about lung cancer, particularly the stigma that it only affects smokers. Through her transparent storytelling and dedicated work with multiple lung cancer organizations, she is breaking barriers, raising awareness, and inspiring others to persevere in the face of adversity.

Jaymie’s mission is clear: to shift the narrative surrounding lung cancer. Her personal motto, “I may have cancer, but cancer does not have me,” captures the resilient spirit with which she continues to lead, uplift, and advocate.