A Journey of Hope: One Woman's Fight Against Lung Cancer

Dusty Donaldson, a mother from High Point, North Carolina, received a life-altering phone call in 2005. She was pursuing her MBA when her doctor asked her to come in immediately, bringing her husband along. She knew instantly what the news would be: cancer. Initially, Donaldson had visited her doctor due to a swollen lymph node in her neck. After some tests, her pulmonologist assured her it wasn't lung cancer. She had quit smoking 26 years prior, so the diagnosis seemed unlikely. However, Donaldson insisted on further testing. A bronchoscopy revealed early-stage lung cancer. She was 51 years old. The diagnosis was a shock to both Donaldson and her doctor. However, the early detection gave her a significant advantage. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy and has been cancer-free since. She still gets annual CT scans to ensure everything is okay. Being a cancer survivor is like walking away from a plane crash, Donaldson says. Her experience sparked a passion for education, awareness, and prevention of lung cancer. In 2010, she founded LiveLung, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering lung cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers through education and community. Donaldson also co-wrote a book with her daughter, Kimberly Lester, called The ABCs of Lung Cancer. The book offers personal anecdotes, prevention strategies, and tips for dealing with the disease. To raise awareness, Donaldson embarked on a 12, 000-mile road trip across the United States. The journey lasted 45 days and included 50 stops. She met with LiveLung chapter members, researchers, clinicians, military veterans, and fellow advocates. The trip aimed to raise awareness about preventive screening and advocate for increased lung cancer research. Donaldson is also celebrating her 20-year cancer-versary and the many scientific breakthroughs since her diagnosis. She hopes her journey can inspire others and throw them a lifeline. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, with about 1 in 5 of all cancer deaths attributed to it. For those awaiting a diagnosis or recently diagnosed, Donaldson advises finding others going through the same experience. The anxiety and uncertainty can be difficult, but connecting with others in the community can provide strength and support.