We had the good fortune of connecting with Darrelyn Smith and Kellie Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darrelyn Smith and Kellie Thomas, we know how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

We founded LifeLung, inspired by a common goal – to honor and celebrate the loved ones we have lost to cancer, advocate for lung health, offer support to those living with lung disease, and aid research.

LifeLung’s story begins with a sad coincidence –We each lost a loved one to lung cancer on the 22nd day of a month and both of their names started with the letter ‘D’. Being passionate about saving lives and in honor of our loved ones, we were determined to turn our loss into a legacy. Our mission is to give others what we did not have by informing and preparing families to fight and be victorious in their lung disease journey.

The two of us have shared traits: compassionate, charismatic, visionary, and the courage to leave a lasting difference in the fight against lung disease. We believe that everyone living with cancer has the right to access the best treatment and support. Our mission is to offer physical, emotional, and financial support to those affected. In memory of those we have lost, we strive to create lung health awareness and change the future of those living with lung disease!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

LifeLung is committed to helping prevent lung disease and to ease the burden on people and families living with lung disease. We believe what sets us apart is the awareness of how daily habits and choices can impact the quality of one’s life and the desire to help inform others so they have the information and can be proactive regarding their health. What is most exciting is the response from our audience. We get a ton of “I did not know” and ‘this is helpful” feedback when we post educational information on our platforms. It reassures us that we are on the right path. Was it easy? Is anything worth doing or having? But it is necessary. We want the world to know that you are not alone in your journey. There were things that we did not know when our loved ones were sick. We did not know the right questions to ask or things to do and we were googling just to find ways to help them. We also were not aware of the financial costs involved with having a sick loved one. We want to create a world where people are more prepared and informed. As well as supported.

We are extremely excited to host our first LifeLung Walk. Please join us on November 5, 2022, at Spotts Park, as we begin our powerful LifeLung journey to bring about lung health advocacy, and action. Be a part of the commitment to help prevent lung disease and to ease the burden for people living with lung disease. Join us as we honor the memory of those we’ve lost and uplift those who are in need of our support.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Of course, we would suggest our friends walk with us on November 5, 2022, at Spotts Park! A fulfilling and meaningful Houston experience!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Kellie Thomas – I would like to dedicate my shout-out to my Aunt Donna who was an extraordinary woman that I admire greatly! Donna Patricia Thomas Harper peacefully departed this life on October 22, 2020, after a yearlong battle with cancer. She is my reason for the founding of LifeLung. She was a loving daughter, a kind sister, a wonderful wife, a doting Mom and Grand Mom, a generous Aunt, and a considerate friend. My Aunt Donna earned a B.S. degree in Psychology and an MBA from Florida A&M University. She was a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, LINKS, and Jack and Jill of America. My Aunt Donna had a love of fashion, she also enjoyed traveling, cooking, and reading inspirational books. Her love of books has inspired my love of books, because of her I have a library of over three hundred books. I share so many of her same loves, we are connected. She was a pillar in our family and I am so very grateful for her love and presence in my and my family’s life. My angel.

Darrelyn Smith – I would like to dedicate my shout-out to my father, Darrell Eugene Smith. My father had a heart of gold. My family and I always laugh and say that “he never met a stranger” and would give the clothes off his back to help someone in need. My father was a kind, patient, funny, and loving man. Who meant so much to so many people. His battle with lung cancer started in 2009 and unfortunately, he took his last breath on November 22, 2014. What inspires me each day is how even though he was fighting a long battle, he remained positive, hopeful, and encouraging. My father is my “why” for starting LifeLung. I am grateful for the time I got to spend with him and inspired by the legacy he left.

Website: www.LifeLung.org

Instagram: @lifelung22

Linkedin: LifeLung Nonprofit

Twitter: @lifelung22

Facebook: @lifelung22

Youtube: LifeLung Nonprofit

Other: TikTok: @lifelung22

Image Credits
Image Credits: Bailey Photography

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