A stage-four lung cancer diagnosis leaves most people out of options.
Until now.
Read the miraculous, true story of
Keith Zafren's "Lungs-in-a-box"
double lung transplant:
Order Your Copy
Get exclusive access to invaluable book bonuses when you purchase to help you or your loved one through their cancer journey.
Scroll to the bottom of the page to get the details.
Watch the incredible true story:
LOVE, HOPE, & THE RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF LIFE.
When my husband was told by our oncologist on August 2nd, 2022, that he was out of options after his four year battle with cancer, we could have given up.
Instead, he decided to pursue an option that felt to both of us a little too much like science fiction: a double lung transplant study for lung cancer patients.
On August 2nd, 2023 - one year later, to the day - we received the call:
an offer of lungs for Keith.
Need immediate relief from mucus production (and help sleeping)?
We put together a list of our most helpful resources that gave Keith relief during his last few months with late stage lung cancer.
Yes, send me this FREE PDF download.GRATEFUL
Doesn't even begin to describe the depth of our emotions for this second chance at life.
Our story can be your story, too.
If you or someone you love is facing cancer, our story doesn't just give hope for stage four lung cancer patients...
As Dr. Ankit Bharat, Director, Canning Thoracic Institute and Chief, Thoracic Surgery at Northwestern Medicine, principle investigator in the DREAM Study and Keith's surgeon,
explains in the remarkable preface of this book:
From Palliative Care to a Potential Cure for Cancer
"Keith’s journey through a double lung transplant for stage four lung cancer, managed through our DREAM program, embodies this spirit of challenging the status quo.
Conventionally, stage four cancer is viewed as an irreversible condition marked by disseminated disease that is beyond curative interventions.
The prevailing belief posits that cancer cells, like unwanted ghosts, linger stealthily within, ready to re-emerge.
Under this paradigm, treatment focuses more on palliation than on cure.
However, Keith's current cancer-free status, more than one year post-transplant, compels us to question this fatalistic view.
Despite the high odds of cancer recurrence due to the profound immunosuppression required post-transplant, his continued remission challenges the inevitability of relapse in stage four cancer.
This outcome suggests that, if assumed and pursued with scientific rigor, we could shift our therapeutic approach from merely extending life to potentially curing even the most advanced cancers."
Dr. Ankit Bharat
Director, Canning Thoracic Institute and Chief,
Thoracic Surgery Northwestern Medicine
New Hope for Lung Cancer Patients
Young Kwang Chae, MD, MPH, MBA
Lead Oncologist, Lung Transplant Team
Co-Director, Developmental Therapeutics -Lurie Cancer Center
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University
"I sincerely believe that Keith and Lori’s story will continue to inspire many people. Their story is a story of struggle and hope. It is a proof of trial and faith. It is also a testimony of ‘never giving up’.
As a medical oncologist, I am more used to taking care of patients who are depressed and frustrated about the grave prognosis they are facing with advanced cancer. Therefore, it is surreal to see Keith’s remarkable recovery after the double lung transplantation.
Every time I look at his surveillance CT scan, I still remain amazed and in awe.
For the first time ever, we can offer lung-limited stage-four lung cancer patients the hope of becoming cancer-free through our transplantation program (DREAM). This book tells the miraculous story."
Book Bonuses for Lung Cancer Patients:
There are SO many things we wish we had known as we went through this journey together as a couple. That's why we've put together a helpful package of resources to help you and your loved ones if you too are battling this disease (or know someone who is).
Available with the purchase of this book:
- Links & resources to help with sleep and mucus reduction
- Help as you transition to managing life with a wheelchair
- Resources & exercises to help you prepare for surgery
- Transplant resources, contacts, & GoFundMe info
- Photos & videos of Keith's journey to becoming cancer free!
A portion of the proceeds from this book will support research and patient support services within the DREAM program at Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute.
