A lifelong athlete who prioritized her health from an early age, Jeanie Polak never imagined cancer would be part of her story. But in 2025, she was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer — a diagnosis that stunned both her and her family.

“It was the last thing I ever thought I’d be diagnosed with,” Polak said. “I was in shape and I ate healthy. There’s nothing more I could’ve done to be healthy.”

Doctors discovered nodules, abnormal tissue masses, in Polak’s lungs four years before the diagnosis. Because they were symptom free, they were monitored over time. But in 2025, a persistent cough signaled something more serious.

“They tell me I have cancer — and lung cancer of all things? That doesn’t even make sense,” Polak said. “I’m a swimmer. I’ve been a competitive swimmer since I was 10.”

At 63-years-old, Polak dove into treatment with the same discipline she brought to her training as an athlete. She underwent 35 rounds of radiation and four rounds of chemotherapy simultaneously, often sporting boots with the words “F--- Cancer” written on the soles.

“The first thing that comes to mind when you think about Jeanie is just how strong and resilient she is,” said Dr. Sreekanth Vasireddy, oncologist at TMC Health Cancer Center. “She told me very clearly, ‘I’m going to do everything it takes to fight this disease.’”

Polak remained engaged and motivated throughout her treatment — something Dr. Vasireddy says is important for patients and physicians alike. Polak kept to her routine. She got dressed, put makeup on and stayed physically active.

“I never ever stopped. It wasn’t what I’d usually do, but by golly if I could only walk one mile—then I was walking one mile,” said Polak. “I run into people at the pickle ball court and they just can’t believe I’m there playing pickle ball and I’m like ‘what else would I be doing?’”

Along her cancer journey, Polak has leaned on her family, friends, faith and doctors to get her through her most difficult days. She has completed her chemotherapy and radiation, and is starting immunotherapy.

“I imagine I was training for this moment my entire life,” she said. “I’m going to fight it every step of the way and I’ll never stop.”

To learn more about TMC Health Cancer Center, click here.