Rally for Dawn: A Family’s Fight Against Gastric Cancer

**UPDATE 11/17/24**

Hello family and friends -

Quick update: I am home! I came home on Wednesday after 8 long days in the hospital and lots of testing and monitoring.

The nutrition team worked very hard to fine tune the formula for the intravenous nutrition (TPN) that I am receiving as it is still difficult to keep much food down. I need this to keep my weight up and my electrolyte levels balanced.

I have an in home nurse coming regularly. She will visit 2-3 times a week to ensure all is well with the nutrition, my iv's, bloodwork, etc.

The goal is to be on TPN temporarily. We pray the chemo will eventually shrink the tumor in my stomach. Once the tumor shrinks, the blockage won't be so significant and I should be able to eat normal again.

While in the hospital, I received my second dose of chemotherapy (Folfox). It's been tough. I've had more side effects this time. I'm still feeling the effects and also know my immune system is down right now.

I've been informed of the results from my genetic testing. Turns out that I am CDH1 gene mutation positive. I inherited this mutated gene and it is the cause of the type of cancer I have; which is called Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC).

This is a very challenging and hard discovery. It will affect my children in the future as they near adulthood and it comes time to run genetic tests on them. Our hearts are broken even more. Below is a link regarding the gene mutation:

Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer and CDH1 Gene Mutations - UChicago Medicine

I will also be discussing biomarker results with my oncologists this week. These results will open me up to immunotherapy / targeted therapy options to add to the chemo.

The plan for now is to continue through 2 more rounds of chemo. I will then have another CT scan in December before we proceed with the HIPEC procedure in January.

One day at a time. Thank you for reading this and please keep the prayers coming. Wishing all family and friends a safe and warm Thanksgiving and may you be surrounded by your loved ones. Xoxox

Dawn

Hi everyone,

I'm reaching out today on behalf of my dear friend, Dawn Candeloro, who has recently been diagnosed with gastric cancer. This diagnosis came immediately after the birth of her third son, turning what should be the happiest time in her life into a nightmare.

Dawn is an incredible woman who has faced this challenging news with strength, grace, and resilience. Her husband, Dominic, and boys Vinnie, Rocco, and baby Dominic have been her rocks during this time, keeping her spirits raised and ready for battle. She's been a constant source of joy, love, and kindness in the lives of those who know her, and now, it's our turn to show up for her in a meaningful way.

Dawn’s journey has been incredibly tough. Gastric cancer has brought with it a whirlwind of treatments, doctor visits, and hospital stays. She begins her fight with intense chemotherapy, 2 laparoscopic HIPEC chemotherapy procedures followed by a partial or total removal of the stomach and more chemo. All of this is in addition to the costs of delivering her sweet angel baby, a hospital visit she thought would be her last.

Though she is bravely enduring this diagnosis and all that comes with it, the cost of her treatments and the time away from work have created a financial burden that’s hard to bear. She has always been the person in our lives to generously give to others without hesitation, whether that meant being there for friends, family, or those in need in her community.

Cancer is a battle that impacts every part of life, but with the right support, Dawn can focus on what matters most: healing. With your help, we can ensure she has access to the treatments, medication, and holistic therapies that will give her the best chance at fighting this illness. Every donation will go directly towards her medical bills and the expenses that have started piling up due to time away from work.

I know many of us feel helpless watching someone we love go through such a painful and challenging experience, but every small contribution truly makes a difference. Even if you're unable to donate, sharing this page with others who might be able to help is a wonderful way to support Dawn.

In addition to sharing and donating, please keep this wonderful family in your prayers as Dawn begins the fight of her life to kick cancer's ass.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Team Dawn: Unbreakable Spirit, Unstoppable Fight