Addressing her newfound purpose in life to raise funding and awareness for lung cancer research, Tammy said, "Sometimes you can find yourself wondering when something like this happens, 'Why me?' But maybe this is why. Maybe I am supposed to bring attention to this terrible disease. I normally do not like public speaking, but I know this is my mission now."

On March 15, 2005 she was diagnosed with stage IIIB lung cancer. She was trying to raise the awareness and the money for research against lung cancer, all going to Emory University for Lung Cancer research.

Tammy Willett died on February 5, 2007.
She was 47 years old.
She never smoked.


"Through all this, with the exception of the chemo, I haven't felt bad" she once said. As her battle with lung cancer continued, she was the picture of strength. When you witnessed Tammy's determination and positive attitude, it's easy to forget the trying times that she has faced.