Woman determined to promote awareness of lung disease

Kate Stewart, 36, was diagnosed with the rare disease lymphangioleimyomatosis, known as LAM, in May, after her lung collapsed twice, last April and last December.

Miss Stewart was diagnosed from a CT scan at the Royal Brompton Hospital and underwent surgery in May. She is now back at work, as a learning and development manager for Natures Way, and hopes she will be able to run the London Marathon in 2012. She has now put herself forward for the committee for the charity LAM Action and helped organise a fundraising recital for the organisation which took place earlier this month.

“When I was told it was a shock, but then you just get on with it and you don’t have time to think about it,” said Kate, who lives in Bognor Regis.

“I’ve been having had the busiest time, have been seeing lots of friends and family and I guess it does make you realise what’s important in life. Have been living life, Does make you realise that life’s precious.

“When I was told I had LAM I was told don’t read too much about it because it might make you really scared.

“I heard people do the marathon but then I found it was mainly friends and family of people who have it that complete it and I decided I have got this lung disease, I’m going to run it to prove a point. It takes ten months to recover from the surgery so I’m hoping that I will be able to run it in 2012.”

Kate said she was being optimistic and hope that more research into the disease would take place. The condition affects around 150 women in the United Kingdom, and research has found there may be a link to the hormone oestrogen.

The condition mainly affects the lungs and causes excessive growth of smooth muscle tissue around the breathing tubes, blood vessels and lymph vessels which gradually erodes lung function. The cells lead to cysts developing in the lung and the main symptom is breathlessness.

The first sign is often when a sufferer experiences a collapsed lung. This is caused by the cysts breaking and leaking air around the lungs, which puts pressure on the lung.

“Because it is so rare I wanted to do something and I thought there’s still research which needs to be done, and I think why wouldn’t you want to do something if someone told you they might be able to find a cure for it,” said Kate. “There is research happening around the world so I stay positive really and want to do as much as I can.”

During the past year Kate has had lots of help from friends and family and Natures Way has also been extremely supportive.

“My company has been absolutely fantastic,” said Kate. “I have been in and out of hospital all year and they have been really supportive, sending me messages when I am in hospital telling me to keep my chin up and ‘can’t wait to have you back’.

“I worked part time hours to start with after my surgery and they have accommodated me a much as possible and in addition to that paid £500 for the piano used at the fundraising concert which was brilliant.

“I am not sure what I would have done without LAM Action and I am staggered and reassured by the number of amazing people who spend so much of their time working to find a cure.”

For more about the disease call 0115 8231934 or see www.lamaction.org