4–6 Years to Live, Jaymie Knowles Is Now in Year 7 and Becoming a Foster Mom to Two Toddlers
Lung cancer survivor and Lung Cancer Foundation of America Speakers Bureau member says, “THIS IS WHAT LIVING WITH LUNG CANCER LOOKS LIKE.”
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March 13, 2026– (Bryans Road, MD):
Jaymie Knowles was told she had 4–6 years to live after a Stage 4 ALK+ lung cancer diagnosis at 32. This is year seven, and she is now fostering two little ones (ages 1 and 3) with the husband she married two weeks after diagnosis. A member of the Lung Cancer Foundation of America Speakers Bureau with 100+ pairs of sneakers, Jaymie’s message is clear: “THIS IS WHAT LIVING WITH LUNG CANCER LOOKS LIKE.”
Key points
- Lung Cancer survivor beats the odds and becomes a foster mom
- Her husband is a huge part of the story
- New hope for deadliest lung cancer diagnosis
Main Story
Jaymie Bowles is living with Stage 4 ALK+ lung cancer, and she just started fostering two children: a one-year-old and a three-year-old. Her message is simple and powerful: “THIS IS WHAT LIVING WITH LUNG CANCER LOOKS LIKE.”
Jaymie was told her expected lifespan would be 4–6 years. This is year seven since her diagnosis at age 32. After months of wheezing and shortness of breath that were initially treated as asthma or allergies, imaging revealed her left lung was covered in fluid, and she was ultimately diagnosed with Stage 4 disease. She began targeted therapy in January 2019 and continues treatment today. Her most recent scans have been described as “unremarkable,” and she is considered to be in a medically induced remission.
Her husband Frank is a huge part of the story: they took their vows just two weeks after she was diagnosed. Now, together, they are opening their home to two very young children—building a family amid uncertainty, treatment, and hope.
Jaymie is also a member of the Lung Cancer Foundation of America’s Speakers Bureau, using her story to raise awareness and support research. And she’s memorable on camera: she’s energetic, funny, and owns more than 130 pairs of sneakers, because she refuses to stop moving forward.
If you’re looking for a Mother’s Day feature that expands the ways strength and motherhood can look, Jaymie is a standout interview. She is available for phone/video interviews (and can provide photos).
“When I was diagnosed, I met a lung cancer advocate who gave me so much hope. Now, seven years since my diagnosis, I advocate and help others anyway I can. – Jaymie Knowles, LCFA Speakers Bureau Member
Media Opportunities
- Jaymie is available in person, on Zoom or for phone interviews
- Pictures available on request
- No identifiable pictures of the children will be available
contact
Diane Mulligan