My name is Dawn Rao, and for the past ten years, I have been living with metastatic breast cancer. Many of you know me as a colleague, a friend, or someone you’ve worked alongside in our school community. What most people don’t see is the strength, determination, and quiet battles that come with fighting this illness year after year.

Recently, new findings have shown that my cancer has progressed, and my doctors have moved me into a more intensive treatment plan, including chemotherapy. These treatments are stronger and require a significant amount of time to recover from. I have just completed my first session and have spent days sick in bed, unable to work.

As I step into this next chapter of my healing, I will need to take extended time away from work. While some generous colleagues are able to donate CAR days through the DOE/UFT system, many friends and coworkers have expressed that they want to help but do not have days available to donate.

Because of that, opening a GoFundMe page was suggested for anyone who wishes to support me in another way.

Every donation, no matter the amount, brings me relief and allows me to focus on what matters most: healing, resting, and giving my body the chance it needs to recover.

From the Bottom of My Heart

As someone who gives everything to my work and the students we serve, it is not easy for me to ask for help. But I am learning that healing sometimes requires leaning on others. Your kindness, your support, and your prayers mean more to me than I can ever express.

Thank you for standing with me during this difficult time. Thank you for lifting me up. And thank you for helping me continue this fight with strength, dignity, and hope.