Every Step A Story: Dawn’s Story of Advocacy, Family, and Connection
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Meet Dawn
Every story has moments that change its direction. For Dawn, that moment came in March 2022 when she was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer at just 39 years old.
But Dawn’s story has always been about more than her diagnosis. It is a story of advocacy, family, resilience, and the connections that help carry us through life’s most difficult chapters.
Dawn continues treatment while focusing on what matters most: her family. She treasures time with her husband and their two children, Joseph and Ryleigh, and loves coaching her daughter Ryleigh’s softball team. Through the challenges of her journey, Dawn continues to find purpose in the small moments and in the people who surround her.
A longtime advocate for others, Dawn previously served as Executive Director of the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide. Following her own diagnosis, she has continued to use her voice to support others by volunteering with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, advocating for legislation that supports cancer patients and survivors, and helping raise funds for metastatic breast cancer research through the Jackson Metavivor Walk. In recognition of her advocacy and resilience, Dawn was honored as the American Cancer Society’s 2023 Survivor of the Year.
Although Dawn had known about Mary’s Place by the Sea for years, it was the encouragement of close friends that led her to schedule a retreat in 2023, a decision she says changed her journey.
“Mary’s Place was the peace that I needed through my journey.”, Dawn states. “The care and compassion of the staff and volunteers is unmatched. The second you walk into the building, you are hit with serenity and hope. Words truly cannot describe the impact of experiencing a retreat.”
During her stay, Dawn formed lasting friendships with the other women on retreat. They reunited the following year and remain close today, a reminder that some of the most meaningful support comes from those who truly understand what you’re going through.
Today, Dawn gives back to Mary’s Place as a monthly donor, shares our mission with women in cancer support groups, participates in our annual Walk-A-Thon alongside her daughter, and is especially grateful for our support group for women living with metastatic breast cancer. She believes any woman fighting cancer deserves a few days to step away from the battle and focus on herself.
When reflecting on her diagnosis, Dawn chooses to focus on the hope that research and new treatments provide.
“Thanks to the hope that research provides, I view my diagnosis as a chronic disease managed by ongoing treatment. I’m grateful that new treatment options continue to become available, and I look forward to many, many more years with my family.”
This October, Dawn and her daughter will once again join us at our Walk-A-Thon, this year with an even larger team by their side. Her story is a powerful reminder of why Every Step a Story is more than a theme. Every step represents a journey, a reason to keep going, and the hope we share for every woman facing cancer. We are honored to walk alongside Dawn and every woman whose story inspires us.
We hope you’ll join us this October as we come together in celebration. https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/OceanGrove/MarysPlacebytheSeaWalkathon
