Dawn Lester’s Breast Cancer Fund

Our dear friend Dawn was diagnosed with Breast Cancer recently and has begun the battle that some of us know all too well. Anyone who knows Dawn also knows that this request for support was not her idea. In fact it took a little convincing, patience, and gentle nudging before she agreed to this. It’s not easy to be in a position of vulnerability, but sometimes the path that is laid before us requires us to set aside our pride and accept help. I’ve known Dawn for over 15 years and have always known her to be a hard worker as well as a loyal friend, daughter, and sister. I light up a bit when I see her knowing that she always tells it like it is with a splash of her humor and wit. She is not one to beat around the bush and I think we all love her for that. Admittedly, we have not been the closest of friends but we have walked similar paths and now we have one more thing in common. Alison and I ran into to Dawn a few months ago. We could see how upset she looked. With tears in her eyes she said, “I had no idea what you guys went through.” How could she have known? If you haven’t been through it yourself then you wouldn’t know. The hope is that you never do. The endless barrage of tests, doctors, appointments, chemicals, results, and surgeries can be overwhelming to put it lightly. Dawn has made a stellar attempt at balancing her work and family life. I am sure she could continue to do just this- fact is- she would. The concern is that it really detracts from keeping the stress low in an already highly stressful situation. I know at least some of what she is walking through and how very stressful and exhausting it can be. Anything that gives her the ability to focus more on her health and less on the stressors of life will help. It will increase her ability to continue her treatment and it will give her a better chance for the best possible outcome. The last thing anyone wants to worry about is finances and in circumstances such as this. Our hope is to lessen the financial load so that she may focus on getting better. We want her to not only get better to but to feel the support that a campaign such as this can bring. We love you Dawn!!! Alison and Sarah :)