Saila was diagnosed with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer in June 2017.  After her diagnosis at another hospital, she transferred to Dana-Farber for treatment. Saila’s treatment currently includes a clinical trial of alternating Tagrisso and Iressa.

In her spare time, Saila is an athlete. Whether she is running for miles, competing in triathlons, or practicing yoga, Saila loves to work out. She also finds her happy place when cooking, drinking wine, and spending time with her friends and family.

Throughout her diagnosis, Saila has been supported by her mother, Arja, father, Markku, and younger brother, Jesse.

Saila originally chose to be treated at Dana-Farber because she likes that its sole mission is cancer research and treatment. She was also driven to Dana-Farber because of Dr. Pasi Janne and his research in the field. Saila started a foundation, JAKSAA, to raise awareness and support fundraising for Dr. Janne’s research efforts. Over the last year, Saila has raised about $100,000 for the organization.

Dr. Pasi Janne is the director of the Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology and the Scientific Director of the Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science. His main research interests include studying the therapeutic relevance of oncogenic alterations in lung cancer.

He was one of the co-discoverers of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and has led the development of therapeutic strategies for patients with EGFR mutant lung cancer.