Dawn had always been very healthy and active. So, when she began to experience some uncomfortable workouts and difficulty completing her everyday routine, she decided she needed to consult her healthcare provider. “I had a hard time articulating the problem, but I just told the women at the desk in the emergency room that something wasn’t right, though I wasn’t sure what,” she recalls.
The healthcare team took this observation very seriously, and Dawn was immediately taken to a room and put through a series of tests and scans. The results revealed that Dawn had a massive tumor on her left lung. She was transferred to an oncology group where a large group of healthcare professionals worked together to decide how to treat her. “It felt like everything was happening so quickly. But I learned that the tumor had probably been growing for at least a year, it just hadn’t produced any symptoms,” she explained.
She began to have a persistent and aggressive cough, causing her to spit up blood and making swallowing difficult. It was explained to her that the large tumor was on her top left lobe and was also causing fluid to fill her lung.
She was put on steroids to manage her symptoms and was preparing for chemo when further testing revealed that Dawn had a RET-positive tumor, what made her eligible for targeted therapy. Amazingly, the drug she takes daily, which only became available about four years ago, has been very effective in treating the tumor. After only four months of treatment, without needing chemotherapy or radiation, Dawn’s tumor shrunk significantly. She was able to return to her normal routine, which included regular exercise, and now monitors her condition with regular CT and MRI scans. “I am very fortunate to have an amazing medical team, a great support group including my daughter, and that the drug is working!”
Climbing After Cancer Diagnosis
After her unbelievable ordeal, Dawn wanted to find ways to contribute to change and support others with lung cancer. Working in academia for 28 years, and using grants to fund her own research, she was drawn to the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb ads, which explained how the money raised went to fund lung cancer research.
She knew she wanted to participate so she signed up and began training on a stair climber at her local YMCA. She also decided to take this opportunity to share her cancer diagnosis with her friends and family, in the hopes that they would help her meet her fundraising goal. She was overwhelmed by the flood of support. She quickly exceeded her initial goal of $200 and would end up raising over $2,000. Even her oncologist, who intimately understood her journey, was inspired to donate $1,000 to support her efforts. In addition, Dawn recruited friends to climb with her, who went on to raise more money on their own. “It just morphed into this huge thing, and I am thrilled we were able to complete the climb together,” she said.
Dawn and her friends truly enjoyed the event, and they all plan to participate again next year. “We had such a great time, and now more people are reaching out and want to get involved. Everyone is fired up for next year! It means so much to know that people are willing to help,” she said.
The Importance of Research
Dawn is living proof that research is the key to defeating lung cancer. “Chemo used to be the only way to treat cancer, but now because of research they have learned other ways that don’t kill every cell in your body. What a difference that makes for the quality of life for those diagnosed with cancer! It’s just amazing,” she explained.
Dawn’s treatment is working but she is acutely aware of the possibility that it might not work forever, so she is working closely with her healthcare team to put a backup plan in place. “The drug I am taking works right now, but will it work forever? I don’t know. This is why research is so essential.”
Additionally, she plans to be an advocate for increasing, not cutting, cancer funding. “I lived a healthy lifestyle, and without warning my life was turned upside down,” Dawn explained. “You don’t know if you or someone you love is next and that is what everyone needs to consider. That is why we can’t slow down; we need to keep these medical advances moving forward.”
Learn more about joining a Fight For Air Climb or other Lung Association event and help us raise funds and awareness for lung cancer.
Blog last updated: May 7, 2025
