In May 2014, after having pneumonia symptoms that wouldn’t go away, tests finally showed David had lung cancer.

David's hobbies include cycling and playing softball.

David is supported by his wife, a brother; a sister; 2 step-children, and a step-granddaughter.

He works as a constable.

David says of his cancer, "It was a very difficult time in my life, but now that I’ve had such great success with this drug trial, life is very good again. Dana-Farber has been very good to me, and especially Dr. Khanh Do and Andrew Wolanski NP. They are very special to me and my family."

David was one of Dr. Do’s first patients at Dana-Farber. He is one of the EDDC success stories where the doctor and his team were able to match the right drug to the right patient at the right time.

His tumor had a rare mutation that Dr. Do and his team were able to identify and match to a trial drug that was specifically being developed just for that mutation.

The effects of the drug were almost immediate, and he was able to wean off oxygen in a few days after starting the drug.