Help Dana Swanson beat breast cancer

This is the beginning of Dana Swanson’s journey to recovery ❤️‍

On Valentine’s Day 2022, Dana tested positive for the BRCA1 genetic mutation, which increases the chance of breast & ovarian cancer extensively. She was urged to test after learning her paternal aunt was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and that her father carried the mutation as well. Dana began thoroughly educating herself, found an amazing care team, and began preventative testing. Her first set of screening imagery was completed in May 2022 and everything came back clear. One month later, she discovered she was pregnant with baby Grady. Dana met with her team and it was approved to breastfeed for 6 months and advised that she schedule a preventative double mastectomy this winter followed by a hysterectomy at 40.

On Monday, June 12th, Dana received a phone call that upended her world. After finding a lump around Mother’s Day this year, dismissing it at first as a clogged duct and then realizing it could be more, multiple appointments, tests, and biopsies, Dana received the devastating news that she has Stage 2 Grade 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

She worked so hard to take the steps necessary to stay ahead of the odds, so this news has shocked and overwhelmed her and her family.

In the short span of less than a week, amid many appointments and phone calls, Dana has not only had to prepare herself for this battle, but also prepare her beautiful family. On Tuesday, June 27th, she begins a six month journey of intensive chemotherapy and treatment. If the chemo treatment is successful, it will be followed by a double mastectomy with reconstruction and full hysterectomy.

As anyone that has had the honor of meeting her knows, Dana is selfless and always willing to help others. Now, it is our turn to help support her, Kenny, and their sweet babies, Summer and Grady. At this time, we can rally around their family by helping to ease some of the financial burden that they will incur as Dana fights with the bravery and resilience we all know she has. ALL funds will go directly to the family for whatever is needed as they travel down this difficult road.

We appreciate all the love, prayers, and support received thus far. Dana is an amazing mother, wife, daughter, sister, cousin, friend, and one of the strongest women I know. She will fight with all her strength and overcome this battle, we just know it!

Please follow along on the journey as well through Dana’s Caring Bridge and/or volunteer for a night with her Meal Train.