I’d like to share a dream: to open an association in Italy that helps young people with lung cancer. – Valeria
I’m Valeria, 28. In June 2025, I was diagnosed with stage 4 ALK+ lung adenocarcinoma after having a persistent cough, hoarseness, a croaky voice, and a lump in my neck.
The support of my family and my partner made all the difference - I clung completely to their love. I also discovered the power of sharing: finding others with the same condition made me feel understood and less alone. Being by the sea, breathing in the air, reminds me that I’m still alive.
At first, I began writing a “cancer diary,” but later realised it wasn’t helping me anymore. Now I see a psychotherapist every month, which I find very helpful. What really lifts me, though, is doing something nice every day - breakfast with a friend, a weekend in the hills, a walk by the lake, a concert. I started my Instagram page, @UnRespiroAllaVolta_, to share both my pain and my hope with others going through something similar.
My biggest lifelines are my family, my partner, and my friends. They’ve held my hand through this new life when I felt completely broken. I’ve also found unexpected kindness from strangers - people I met online who share this condition. Their messages of support have made me feel less alone.
I’ve only recently been discharged from hospital and am still rediscovering my body. I try to walk every day and I’m thinking of taking up swimming - they say it’s very beneficial.
The hospital gave me all the information I needed about treatment and my ALK mutation, but I found real understanding through online groups on Instagram and Facebook. Reading Living with Lung Cancer has also helped me find perspective.
I work as a business consultant in environmental sustainability, gender equality, and equal rights. Cooking new recipes relaxes me - I love dancing and singing while I cook. The love of my family and my partner brings me peace in the darkest moments. So does music, and the sound and smell of the sea. Adopting a little dog has also helped enormously - holding her close reminds me that I’m alive.
Getting this diagnosis at my age is surreal. That’s why I dream of creating a space for young people with lung cancer - a place to support one another, share experiences, and turn pain into something beautiful.
