Dana and her husband Jon were newlyweds in 2014 when Jon had a sinus infection that wouldn’t go away.
A trip to the hospital resulted in an unexpected diagnosis: rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer. Jon had a tumor growing in his sinus, pressing on his eye. In the months of treatment that followed, he was in and out of the hospital frequently.
As she shifted into the role of caregiver, Dana went from planning parties and home renovations to juggling appointments and learning complex medication regimens. Jon’s care team managed his symptoms well, and they were able to maximize their time together.
After about a year of treatment, Jon died in May 2015 at just 36 years old, leaving Dana a widow at just 29.
In 2016, after taking some time to grieve, Dana wanted to give back. She began sharing Jon’s story, advocating for increased funding for cancer research and palliative care with lawmakers at both the local and federal level. She also became a volunteer driver for the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery Program, helping cancer patients get to their medical appointments.
“All I could do was channel my grief into volunteering my time. By doing that, I could help try to ease the suffering of others touched by cancer. I wanted to turn the worst thing that ever happened in my life into something positive.”
As an epidemiologist, Dana sees firsthand how important cancer research funding is to advancing new, innovative treatments and breakthroughs that can improve quality of life and survival for patients. She also knows this funding can impact livelihoods across communities.
“When funding is cut, it not only impacts our ability to find future cures and to find the next therapies, but it also impacts jobs and the economy.”
Dana continues to advocate in the fight against cancer in honor of Jon and his memory. She has spent over a decade advocating with ACS CAN, and today, she is a member of ACS CAN’s Board of Directors and the lead ACS CAN volunteer in her Massachusetts congressional district.
Learn more about how cancer research funding impacts cancer patients and their families here.