PASTOR SIMONE’S VICTORIOUS JOURNEY

In November 2021, my life changed forever when I was diagnosed with ROS1positive lung cancer. At that time, I was leading a church, deeply involved in ministry, supporting overseas projects, and caring for my family. Aside from a persistent cough, I felt healthy—and then this diagnosis confronted me with a reality I never expected.

The second day after my diagnosis I was driving to Yorkshire to conduct a wedding. I was unwell and struggling to make the journey. As I drove, I asked God, “What does this all mean?”

In that moment, the Lord spoke clearly to my spirit: “You don’t have it.” Immediately I sensed the tangible power of God—from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet. I felt strengthened. From that day forward I declared every morning, “I don’t have it.”

Physically, things got harder. There were days of weakness, of fear, of uncertainty—but spiritually, I stood on God’s Word. Romans 4:1821 became my anchor:

“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed…”

I chose faith over fear, believing that what God says is true, even when circumstances appear contrary.

Right from the beginning, I decided not to keep my diagnosis private. I shared my journey openly, wanting others—especially busy parents, professionals, and ministry leaders—to see that a cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to be the end of hope. I wanted them to know that hope is real, that treatment options exist, and that even in the valley, God’s presence is faithful.

Every interview I’ve participated in, every story I’ve shared, and every platform I’ve engaged with has been driven by a desire to raise awareness and be a positive advocate for lung cancer—especially ROS1 lung cancer. I want people to see me and know that it is possible to thrive while living with cancer.

As ViceChair of ROS1ders UK, I work to amplify this message:

Cancer is not the end of your story.

Thanks to advances in medicine, many of us can lead meaningful, full lives. But beyond medicine, I’ve learned that faith changes how you live even when you don’t understand everything going on around you.

I believe God is raising up a generation of believers who refuse to live in fear—people who trust God with their health, their families, their futures, and their ministries. My prayer is that others will not only survive their diagnosis but thrive through God’s strength and presence.

I envision a future where cancer is no longer automatically seen as a terminal sentence but a chapter where God’s power, mercy, and purpose are revealed. That future becomes real when we:

Raise awareness,

Advocate for access to treatment,

And use our voices to bring hope and clarity to others.

Through my journey, I have learned this deeply: God is faithful, and His Word is true. Even when the body is weak, the Spirit is strong. And because of Scripture and God’s sustaining power, I declare with confidence: I don’t have it.