Suburban Heroes: Buffalo Grove lung cancer survivor becomes advocate

After overcoming the shock of being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer nearly five years ago, Ivy Elkins - an otherwise healthy, nonsmoking woman in her 40s - decided she would make it her mission to become an advocate for research, to raise money, and to support others facing the same affliction.

"When I was diagnosed, I decided I was going to share my diagnosis with everyone," said Elkins, of Buffalo Grove. "I want people to know (about lung cancer), because I didn't."

Since then, Elkins has become a noted suburban voice on the issue, sharing her story with medical professionals in speaking engagements across the globe, serving on a Department of Defense panel to review lung cancer research proposals for funding, and starting a support group for those with her specific type of lung cancer caused by EGFR gene mutations.

Elkins has also helped raise more than $30,000 over the last five years for the annual Breathe Deep North Shore, a 5K fun run and 2-mile walk for the LUNGevity Foundation. At this year's event, scheduled for Sunday morning, May 6, at Deerfield High School, Elkins will be walking with some 50 family and friends supporting the cause.

Elkins just got back from the foundation's annual HOPE Summit in Washington, D.C., where she heard about the latest research.

"(Ivy) has formed this incredible network in the lung cancer community," said Roz Topolski, a Breathe Deep volunteer and one-time LUNGevity board member. "She has formed really great relationships both in the medical field and with other lung cancer survivors.

"The community is fortunate to have someone like her who is able to read medical reports and research, and provide the patient perspective," Topolski said.

Elkins takes an oral medication every day that she says allows her to live a normal life with few side effects. But it's the second type of medicine she's taken after developing resistance to the first drug.

"I know lots of people who have already progressed and are looking for options," Elkins said. "We need more research and the events like the walk bring attention to that need and raise money that goes to research."

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