DAWN BURNESS

Dawn Burness is a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She was raised in the small community of Worcester, NY, and enjoyed a happy childhood growing up in a family of five. Being athletic and competitive she participated in many sports throughout her school years, including two State Championship soccer titles. During the summers, she spent time with friends in the great outdoors – biking, camping, swimming and horseback riding. After high school she headed to Ithaca College to pursue a degree in Business Administration. She fell in love with the natural beauty of her new surroundings and made it her home for eleven years.

During this time Dawn worked as a Store Operations Manager for a busy downtown pharmacy. And, it was here in Ithaca that she met best friends and her future husband, Tom. She took piano lessons and studied martial arts, earned her black belt, and competed both nationally and internationally, holding a title in self-defense. Later, she was chosen to participate as a member of the US Women’s Seido Karate Fighting Team.

In 1997 Dawn relocated to Manlius, NY. She and Tom were wed twice during that year. Together they enjoyed traveling, attending sports events and visiting family and friends. In January of 2002 they celebrated the birth of their daughter, Justine, who will soon complete her kindergarten year.

In January of 2005, at the age of 36, and with no family history, Dawn was diagnosed with Stage II, ER PR HER 2 negative breast cancer. The “ridge” was discovered by her OB/GYN during an annual exam. Several tests later the diagnosis was confirmed. She chose to have a lumpectomy followed by, and in this order, a nice family vacation in Florida, seven cycles of dose-dense ACT/T chemotherapy, and six weeks of daily radiation.

At the onset of Dawn’s diagnosis, two meaningful things occurred: she met and spoke with a fellow survivor who positively impacted her life by providing her with a firsthand account of the cancer experience. Secondly, she made up her mind to be a survivor, too; use her sense of humor and maintain her lifestyle and work schedule despite unfavorable circumstances. With an amazing network of support, Dawn’s entire family, along with many faithful friends and co-workers, duly provided her with this opportunity.

Dawn is currently employed as Office Manager for the commercial real estate firm of Kirby, Carroll & Associates. She enjoys traveling, biking, photography and playing musical instruments. She also serves as a “Reach to Recovery” volunteer for the American Cancer Society. Dawn knows support is paramount, and she is especially thankful for the love and support of her late mother, Louise “Cookie” Naples. Dawn says her mother made her better.

Mothers do have a profound influence on their children, as demonstrated by Carol Baldwin. Dawn is truly exhilarated by Carol’s family and the remarkable ways in which they actively support her Fund. She is a dynamic woman whose undying commitment to finding a cure for breast cancer inspires us all. Dawn is so proud to be celebrated as this year’s honoree of the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund’s “Endowed Lectureship Series” grant. Ever full of endearing optimism, Carol truly believes we will find a cure for breast cancer in her lifetime.