Aurora’s Story:

At 28, Aurora’s world came to a halt. Juggling her role as an educator and her studies in a leadership doctorate program, she was suddenly confronted with a diagnosis no one saw coming—Stage IIIA Lung Cancer. For three months, her symptoms went unnoticed, dismissed due to her age and insurance barriers. Her diagnosis was delayed, a reflection of the very healthcare inequities she now advocates against.

In the face of adversity, Aurora found purpose in advocacy. Her experiences navigating the healthcare system opened her eyes to the systemic barriers faced by so many, particularly young adults and BIPOC communities.

Now, as a 31-year-old cancer survivor, Aurora has turned her story into a platform for change. She is passionate about co-creating spaces for patients to become their own best advocates, particularly for those often overlooked in the medical world. Through public speaking, content creation, and community engagement, she shares her message of hope, self-advocacy, and empowerment.

Aurora’s Bio:

Aurora Lucas hails from the Philippines, having left her home country at the age of 9, she is a part of the Filipino Diaspora. Fluent in Tagalog, English, and currently learning Spanish, she brings a rich cultural perspective to her advocacy work. At 28, during her second year in a Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Leadership program, Aurora’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Stage IIIA Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Now 31 and nearing the completion of her doctoral journey, she is fiercely committed to empowering BIPOC patients by addressing healthcare inequities. Aurora is a passionate speaker on topics of Young Adult Cancer Survivorship, self-advocacy, and hope. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring coffee shops, journaling, photography, videography, and learning new languages. You can connect with her on Substack, Instagram, and TikTok.

Aurora’s Social Media Channels:

Instagram: @auroralucas

TikTok: @aurorainnalucas

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/auroralucas