Beyond the Workplace: W&L Subaru’s Unwavering Support

"You have Adenocarcinoma of the lung." The doctor told me. 

ME! A nonsmoker, an active mother with two young children, and a road of goals ahead of her. How could it be me?

Having to explain this to my husband and children will forever be the hardest moment of my life. My nine-year-old asked "who will take care of me when you die." My husband, Colby, speechless shed tears. Those minutes with them still haunt my thoughts.

Colby is employed at W&L Subaru as a finance manager. A job that often comes with long hours, requiring time away from our family. We often hear the phrase 'we are family,' from everyone at W&L Subaru, and that statement truly resonated with us after my diagnosis. The support from the team allowed him to step back from work, attend my oncology appointments, and meet my team of doctors.

In the weeks that followed we learned I had a gene mutation called ALK Positive NSCLC. It had spread outside of my left lung into the pleural fluid, chest lymph nodes and adrenal gland lymph nodes. Words like PET scan, CAT scan, Bronchoscopy and Thoracentesis became familiar. I was told this particular lung cancer - although stage 4 - held hope. And that I could start a targeted therapy drug called Alectinib. Some people have gotten years out of their diagnosis with this drug.

I got nine months.

Without warning, the cancer spread again. In February of 2024, my CAT scan showed 3 new tumors in my left lung … and now cancer in the breast.

This time my doctors at Geisinger and Fox Chase sent me to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan where I entered into a clinical trial. This new course of treatment meant weekly trips to the city and spending nights away from home and family.

W&L Subaru stepped up again, supporting Colby, and allowing him to adjust his work schedule so we could keep the kids' lives the same while I was away.

On one of the many trips into the city, Silvia Long, the wife of W&L Subaru owner, Andrew, drove me to my appointment. She came with me to keep me company during my appointments. She met my team of doctors and offered her support as a friend.

Andrew, Silvia, and the many amazing people of W&L went above and beyond when I was presented with a key to an apartment in Manhattan. A beautiful place where I can leave belongings when I go to the city for appointments. No more hotel-hopping, no more taking out of our savings. A place to feel safe and comfortable during the most stressful journey of my life. I will forever be grateful.

-Marley Coxe