Walking for Hope: How Joy Henderson Turned a Diagnosis Into a Mission
Posted: March 19, 2026 by Ashley Pelfrey
In the world of real estate, we often talk about the joy of finding a home, and for Joy Henderson, an agent at our Clayton 40/42 office, that took on a powerful new meaning as she navigated her way back to health following a lung cancer diagnosis. Rather than letting a life-altering moment define her, Joy chose to use her journey as a foundation for strength, turning a personal challenge into a bold mission to lead and inspire others.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Joy’s story is one of resilience. Like many lung cancer patients, the signs were subtle at first. In a recent moving interview with ABC11 (which you can watch here starting at the 4:00 mark), Joy shared the reality of being a survivor. She isn't just a statistic: she is a professional and a vibrant member of our Harnett and Johnston County communities who found herself facing the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.
For Joy, the "LUNGe Forward" mission is personal. It is about more than just a 5K; it is about changing the conversation around lung cancer. Too often, this disease is met with misconceptions that can lead to isolation or a lack of funding. Joy is participating to remind us that this is a human issue that affects people from all walks of life, and every patient deserves a community of unwavering support and access to resources.
CBA Cares: A Team with Heart
At Coldwell Banker Advantage, we believe in supporting our own. That is why the CBA Cares team was formed to stand shoulder to shoulder with Joy and the thousands of others affected by this disease.
Led by Team Captain Joy Henderson, our team is currently raising funds for the 2026 Triangle LUNGe Forward 5K. This event, organized by the Lung Cancer Initiative, is vital for:
- Research: Funding the next generation of treatments.
- Awareness: Teaching the community that anyone with lungs can get lung cancer.
- Support: Providing resources for patients and their families right here in North Carolina.
How You Can Help Joy’s Journey
Joy handles every real estate transaction with confidence and heart, and she is bringing that same energy to this fight. But she cannot do it alone.
The CBA Cares team has set an ambitious goal to support the Lung Cancer Initiative, and we invite our neighbors in Clayton, Garner, and beyond to join us. Whether you are a fellow survivor, a caregiver, or someone who simply wants to see a world without cancer, there are multiple ways to help:
- Donate: Every dollar counts toward reaching our $1,000 goal. Even a small contribution helps fund life-saving research.
- Join the Team: Lace up your sneakers and walk with us! You can register to join the CBA Cares team and walk alongside Joy this Saturday, March 21st at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary.
- Join Virtually: Can’t make it to the walk on Saturday? You can still show your support and join virtually!
Visit our official team page to donate or sign up: CBA Cares LUNGe Forward Team Page
A Message of Hope
Joy Henderson reminds us every day that a diagnosis is not the end of the story; it is the beginning of a new chapter of advocacy. As she shared on ABC11, the support of the community makes all the difference.
Let’s show Joy and all lung cancer survivors that they do not have to walk this path alone. Together, we can lunge forward towards a cure.
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