It's Never About Her: Selflessness Defined

To know Dawn is to love her. Truly. If you are lucky enough to have spent time in her company, you know *exactly* what we mean. (You know those people who just naturally draw others to them? That's our Dawn.)  Her story is one of pure kindness, thoughtfulness and neverending care for others. 

Our beloved Dawn beat breast cancer for a bunch of years...only to have it reemerge in her liver and bones. She has been fighting hard since learning this news 10 months ago but the end of the road is drawing near.

Her husband, Mike's, singular goal these last months was to give Dawn the farewell she so richly deserves filled with never-ending love, gratitude, and presence for whatever time was left. This included bike rides on her new low-rider trike cruiser (balance was becoming an issue; the desire to be in nature hasn't faded); a beautiful cross-country trip, via train, to Glacier National Park; a drive up to their family cabin in the northwoods of Wisconsin to see the colors change; love notes posted throughout their home; and managing a near constant stream of visitors who want to spend time with her, never knowing if it would be their last. Heartfelt letters were requested and received to ensure she would understand the difference she has made in so many others' lives.

Another way Mike thought to honor his beautiful wife is to have loved ones make a donation in support of two causes about which she cares SO much: the MACC Fund  (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer, Inc.)--she and Mike rode the MACC Fund Trek 100 bike ride for years because she vehemently believes no child should ever have to experience cancer; and Special Olympics of Wisconsin to whom she dedicated fourdecades of her life coaching volleyball. Dawn would be the first to tell you she received more love from her athletes than she gave (which we kinda doubt but that's how she views the world).

To that end, any donations received will be shared between these two amazing organizations which mean so much to Dawn. And she means so much to all who know her.

Dawn was just moved to a lovely hospice facility near their home. We fear we don't have enough time left 
with Dawn on this earth but know she will watch over us always. Because that's who she is.