Hilary was diagnosed with Stage 4 RET driven NSLC at age 38 when her children were six and eight.

She advocates for more research and better treatments so she and others like her can continue to live better and longer lives.

Chris is an entrepreneur and closet tech tinkerer who lives with his two daughters in Chagrin Falls, OH.

In 2015 Chris's late wife, Dr. Aliye Bricker, was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. He spent the following six years as husband, father, and caregiver, and now hopes to honor Aliye's memory and amazing work through his involvement with RETpositive.

In spite of being a never-smoker with no family cancer history, Emily Walthall was diagnosed with Stage 4 RET-driven NSCLC at age 39.

Because of research, Emily receives a RET-targeted therapy that effectively inhibits the disease with minimal side effects. However, at some point, the cancer is likely to develop resistance and she will be counting on new treatments. Emily advocates for continuing advances in RET treatment and greater support for the RET community.

She lives in the mountains of western North Carolina with her husband and two sweet dogs.

Anna joined the RETpositive board of trustees in October 2025. Her involvement with RETpositive, like that of her entire family, resulted from her sister’s RET+ diagnosis. She is grateful for all research streams that create the potential to extend the quality of life for RET patients. Anna is counsel to a corporation and lives in coastal North Carolina with her husband and two children.