Dawn and her Fiance
I’ve been using the message boards over at Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure®. This is where I met Dawn. Dawn’s story really touched me as she has some huge similarities to why I walk.
Dawn’s grandmother was diagnosed 15-20 years ago. After undergoing treatment, her grandmother is still alive but currently dealing with the effects of Alzheimer’s. Sound familiar? This is exactly what happened with my grandmother. The difference in our stories comes from Dawn’s personal history with breast cancer.
Just over a year ago, June 19, 2009, Dawn went in for her annual check-up and mammogram. At the end of June she got the call that there were changes in her mammogram and a second one was needed. This is often the schedule for abnormalities on a mammogram. So on July 17th, Dawn had a second mammogram and an ultrasound. The doctor called before the end of the day to say Dawn would need a biopsy. The biopsy was scheduled for July 24th but if the surgeon was to look at the chart and films and decided to the surgery would be moved forward. A few short minutes later the surgeon requested Dawn to come in that day. They did another ultrasound and took 4 core samples. Results would be back Thursday morning.
Dawn and her children
Wednesday evening Dawn got the call that would change her course. The doctor had called to say that indeed the samples taken were malignant. The treatment was a lumpectomy, radiation and after all three hormone tests were negative, chemotherapy
Dawn underwent surgery twice, chemotherapy and radiation, another mammogram to prove that the tumor was gone. Dawn’s hair is starting to grow back.
Dawn walks for her grandmother, Clarice. She walks for her friend Teresa, who battled breast cancer 2 years ago and is now fighting again for her life. She walks for herself. And she walks for her daughter Holly as she prays they find a cure so that Holly will NEVER have to go through what Dawn and others have had to go through.
Keep Going® Dawn! You have won an amazing fight! To read Dawn’s story in her own words and donate so she can walk, please visit her Susan G. Komen for the Cure® page.
If you are walking in one of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure® walks and would like to be featured, please contact me.
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I wish Dawn the very best of luck! I read her training blog and it sounds like she’s having some foot troubles and is just hoping to be able to walk. Good luck Dawn!! Thank you for sharing this Holly!
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I am so sorry to hear of all your struggles. I hope and pray that a cure is found soon so no one else you care about has to go through what you have. Good luck on your walk.
Dawn — women like you are amazing. I wish you the best of luck on the walk — a walk I’m sure will be fraught with both joy and emotion — I’m so glad your story was shared with us!
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Every story In read about breast cancer survivors are amazing. Good luck with the walk, dawn!
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What an inspiring story. I pray that Dawn remains cancer free and that a cure is indeed found so that the next generation does not have to deal with this horrible disease. Dawn sounds like a strong woman and I know she will be able to overcome anything life throws her way. All of you doing the walk are a great inspiration!
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GO DAWN!!! We are behind you in spirit.
trisha
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Wow, what an amazing story and an amazing woman! I have had multiple relatives diagnosed with breast cancer and I now have to ensure that I get my yearly checks. Thanks for sharing this story and GO DAWN!
How inspiring! Thanks for sharing Dawn with us!
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Best of Luck for Dawn! Breast Cancer is near to my heart as my Maternal grandmother had it!
I am one of Dawn’s biggest fans and only recently met her through my music and work at the Cancer Center. She has a smile that won’t quit, it’s contagious! She has what all of us need…positive mental attitude. You go baby… We’ll get you the money for the walk.
Awww Shelley, you’re too kind! and I think you are an awesome person for all that you do to help people, both at the cancer center and through your music.
So inspiring! Glad to meet Dawn!
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Dawn and family,
As an 8 year survivor of breast cancer, a co-facilitator of a community women’s cancer support group and your cousin by marriage, I am proud of your participation in this important walk.
We have to support cancer research for women today and the generations of children coming behind us.
May God bless you as you share with other strong warriors in this fight.
Karen
Thank you Karen!