I am amazing, damn amazing! I had faith that eventually someone would recognize my greatness!  (giggle, giggle)  Who-da-thunk it would be Genentech’s lung cancer group?  They were the reason SW and I were off to Las Vegas.  I would participate in a brief question and answer on the topic of Alectinib at Genetech’s National Sales Meeting.

In all honesty I get a chuckle at the way I was treated in Las Vegas. The plane landed in the neon desert and I powered up my phone.  Unexpectedly it began buzzing. A hesitant hello came out. “Hello Kim, This is Craig. It looks like you have just landed. A driver is waiting for you near carousel 20. See you soon.” I managed to squeak out an OK while wearing one of the world’s largest smiles. I turn towards SW, the smirk on his face confirms he too thinks I’m getting spoiled.

Before long we pull up to the extravagant Venetian, our residence for 4 days. With much effort, we found the elevator that delivered us to our roomy suite. We filled the next 60 or so hours with eating, drinking, mega loads of walking, some sleeping, and a tiny bit of gambling.

Our casual vacation turned to advocacy work at the tail end. We had dinner with a small group of delightful Genentech employees. The company was as top notch as the restaurant, Bouchon.

I observed caring, passionate, polite, and proud pharmaceutical employees. I felt honored that SW and I were sharing a meal with this group. Here I was, along with my primary caretaker/husband, changing the image of lung cancer. Here they were, changing the image of big pharma. Simply lovely.

The next day was Showtime! Waiting for The Admirable Jill to wave me on, I waited in an over-sized foyer. A little nervous. A lot excited. Not only would this be the largest audience, it was the first time SW would hear me mic’d up. My short question and answer session to around 350 Genentech sales reps was executed in typical Kim-Style. Completely honest. Enthusiastic. Mildly rambly. A few 4-letter words. And naturally sad.

Make them laugh. Make them cry. Mission Accomplished!

Arriving in Portland, I got no phone call upon landing. The beautiful bouquet I carried was a reminder of my stardom. I am home. Here I am no movie star. I am a princess.