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About LiveLung

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In a Nutshell

Founded in 2010 by lung cancer survivor, Dusty Donaldson, LiveLung brings lung cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers together for empowerment through education and community. We provide an inviting environment where everyone feels welcome regardless of the cause of their lung cancer, their prognosis, or their treatment. We also invite community partners to our meetings, including nurse navigators, collaborating organizations, and industry partners. We connect survivors with experts and resources within the community. LiveLung is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that offers a growing network of lung cancer-specific educational patient groups. Research shows that those diagnosed with lung cancer experience higher levels of distress and have more unmet physical and emotional needs than those diagnosed with other types of cancer. A significant unmet need is in-person groups so patients can connect with each other. These in-person meetings encourage, empower, and provide hope to lung cancer patients and those who support them.  However, many live in areas where no lung cancer-specific group is available. LiveLung offers virtual educational group meetings via Zoom to meet the needs of those without a local in-person meeting. LiveLung primarily relies on funding from industry partners to provide our programs for lung cancer patients and caregivers. While gratefully accept donations, we do not solicit donations from our patients during our meetings. Our guiding principle is that we are here to serve lung cancer patients and their caregivers…not the other way around.

History in the Making

LiveLung Founded

After her early-stage lung cancer diagnosis in 2005, LiveLung Founder, Dusty Donaldson, was surprised at the lack of resources for lung cancer patients and survivors and was called to act. It was out of this need that LiveLung was born.

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What We're About

About

LiveLung is on a mission to improve health outcomes by advancing lung cancer education, early detection, and compassion for people impacted by lung cancer. We do this by hosting a network of monthly educational community lung cancer patient groups. We provide resource bags to dozens of cancer centers where nurse navigators give them to newly diagnosed lung cancer patients. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, here to serve the lung cancer community. While we gratefully accept donations, we do not solicit donations from lung cancer patients or caregivers.

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Mission

LiveLung is on a mission to improve health outcomes by advancing lung cancer education, early detection, and compassion for people impacted by lung cancer. We are passionate about bringing together patients, caregivers, providers, and researchers to create an environment where information and understanding can be found.

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Vision

Our vision at LiveLung is to educate, empower, and provide community for those impacted by lung cancer. We strive to remove any stigma associated with a lung cancer diagnosis, leaving only compassion and empowerment. Our vision at LiveLung is improving health outcomes by building a community where those impacted by lung cancer can become educated, encouraged, and empowered to achieve the highest quality of life possible during their lung cancer treatment and survivorship journey.

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Meetings

Got lung cancer questions? We have answers.

 

Learn from lung cancer experts and other lung cancer survivors. Meetings are free and open to everyone impacted by lung cancer, including patients and the people who care about them.

Virtual Meetings

  • All Lung Cancers

  • Small Cell Lung Cancer

In-Person Meetings

  • Charlotte, NC

  • Triad Area, NC

  • Wilmington, NC

  • Fort Myers, FL

  • Tampa, FL

  • Augusta, GA

  • Pittsburgh, PA

  • Marietta, GA

  • Nashville, TN

Community Outreach & Awareness

Raising awareness of lung cancer risk factors, radon testing, screening, and symptoms is essential to increasing lung cancer education in our communities. If you are hosting an event at which LiveLung will be welcomed to share information about lung cancer, or if you would like Dusty to speak at your event, please reach out! If we are available, we would love to participate in outreach events in your community!

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Hope Totes

LiveLung provides Hope Totes to dozens of cancer centers for nurse navigators to distribute to newly diagnosed lung cancer patients. Hope Totes are resource bags filled with thoughtful, practical items to help patients on their treatment journey. These resource bags are one way we demonstrate compassion for the lung cancer community. Among the many helpful items in each Hope Tote, recipients find the newly released book, “The ABCs of Lung Cancer for Patients and Advocates, Second Edition” and postcards with details about local in-person and virtual educational meetings. We provide Hope Totes to communities where we host monthly educational patient group meetings and ship Hope Totes to individuals who join our virtual meetings.

ABCs of
Lung Cancer for Patients and Advocates, Second Edition

The ABCs of Lung Cancer is a practical, easy-to-read guide for lung cancer patients and the people who care for and about them. Written by longtime lung cancer survivor, Dusty Donaldson, and her daughter, Kimberly Lester, the authors provide useful information for others on a lung cancer journey. 

Lung Cancer Network

Lung Cancer Network

Lung Cancer Network is a private Facebook group dedicated to anyone impacted by lung cancer. ​Led and moderated by Katie Brown, a Certified Oncology Patient Navigator and LiveLung’s Director of Online Support Communities, this online community provides a safe environment for connecting with and learning from fellow lung cancer survivors and care partners.

What sets Lung Cancer Network apart is its highly interactive, engaged, and supportive atmosphere. Members are encouraged to participate in discussions, ask questions, and exchange insights on managing their health and well-being. In addition to peer-to-peer connections, the group provides valuable resources such as educational materials, the “Ask the Nurse Navigator” program, access to experts and updates on the latest in lung cancer research, and support services. Plus, members will be the first to hear about upcoming LiveLung events.

Chaplain Program

LiveLung has launched a new Chaplain Program, led by Senior Ordained Chaplain Alex Mercer, to support the spiritual well-being of lung cancer survivors and their care partners. This ongoing program provides compassionate guidance and a safe, welcoming space for reflection—regardless of faith or background—ensuring that the emotional and spiritual journey receives the same care and attention as the physical one.

 

Connect with Chaplain Alex at 877.311.LUNG (5864) ext. 110

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BRAF Bombers

BRAF is a biomarker that may mutate to become an oncogene that drives the growth of a cell in several types of cancer, including colorectal, melanoma, lung and others.

 

The BRAF Bombers, Presented by LiveLung is a virtual patient group dedicated to survivors, patients, and care partners impacted by BRAF-positive cancers. Meeting the first Tuesday of each month and moderated by an Oncology Patient Navigator, this meeting offers those impacted by BRAF-positive cancers the opportunity to connect and features quarterly expert speakers. 

Meet the LiveLung Team

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Founder & CEO
Triad, NC & Virtual Meeting Facilitator

Dusty Donaldson

Dusty Donaldson is executive director of the Dusty Joy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and parent organization of LiveLung. She works to advance lung cancer awareness, early detection and compassion for people impacted by lung cancer. Dusty co-authored the book “The ABCs of Lung Cancer for Patients and Advocates.” She also is President of the Lung Cancer Action Network (LungCAN) and serves as a reviewer for lung cancer research proposals. She is a contributing writer for www.lungcancer.net and serves on the National Lung Cancer Roundtable’s Survivorship, Stigma & Nihilism Task Group. She received the US EPA and North Carolina Radon Program Radon Advocacy Award. Prior to being diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer in 2005, Dusty was a journalist and public relations professional with undergraduate and graduate degrees in journalism.
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LiveLung Executive Director
Charlotte, NC & Virtual Meeting Facilitator

Lynn Abbott-McCloud

After losing her brother-in-law to lung cancer in 2015, Lynn Abbott-McCloud helped launch LiveLung's Charlotte chapter in 2017. She now serves as Executive Director and helps lead the organization's national educational, survivorship, advocacy, research, and patient support initiatives. A passionate lung cancer advocate, Lynn is dedicated to improving the lives of people impacted by lung cancer through patient education, survivorship, clinical trial awareness, early detection, radon education, and health equity. She is an American Cancer Society (ACS) LION Credentialed Oncology Patient Navigator and Clinical Trials Navigator and serves as a member of the North Carolina Promising Interventions in Lung Cancer Disparities Roundtable and the AH-CARES Cancer Symptom Support Patient & Family Advisory Council. Lynn is also an alumnus of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) STARS Program and has presented research and educational posters at national conferences, including those hosted by the National Lung Cancer Roundtable and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).
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Director of Online Support Communities

Katie Brown

Katie Brown is a certified Oncology Patient Navigator, trained at the Dr. Harold P. Freeman Institute, George Washington University and AONN. After her father's small cell lung cancer diagnosis in 2002, Katie co-created the award-winning website, the Lung Cancer Support Community (LCSC), the first social network for lung cancer patients and their caregivers. She is the author of the guidebooks “Co-surviving Cancer” and “Navigating Advocacy”.
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Social Media Manager

Sinéad McCloud-Clements

Sinéad McCloud-Clements has been a dedicated member of the LiveLung team since 2022. She is passionate about marketing, graphic design, digital advocacy, and mental health awareness within the lung cancer community. As LiveLung's Social Media Manager and Director of the Champions Program, Sinéad leads the organization's online presence while overseeing the Champions Program, a nationwide digital advocacy network that empowers patients, caregivers, and advocates alike to raise awareness about lung cancer through social media, education, and community engagement. Sinéad earned a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies with a focus on Marketing. She is committed to using storytelling and digital engagement to educate, inspire, and create meaningful connections within the lung cancer community. Her goal is to make sure no one feels like they have to face lung cancer alone.
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Associate Director

Kimberly Lester

Kimberly Lester is a lung cancer advocate, just like her mom, Dusty Donaldson. She has been involved in nearly every lung cancer project as her mother since 2005, when Dusty was diagnosed. She uses her many skills, whether writing, graphic design, or other talents to help advocate for lung cancer awareness in any way she can. She lives in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, with her precious kittens.
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Hope Tote Manager

Hanna Trent

Hanna Trent has been working with LiveLung since 2016 and was a long-time volunteer prior to becoming the foundation's first ever paid employee. Her position started as a general assistant to Dusty and evolved into the role of managing the Hope Tote Program. She has since put together thousands of totes, and the patients they go to hold a very special place in her heart. Hanna’s small role in supporting the cause that Dusty has poured her life into is something she is immeasurably honored by. Outside of LiveLung, Hanna is a Residency Program Coordinator for the Radiology Department at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, and she and her husband spend any spare time with their four family dogs, their family, and their close friends who are like family.
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National Director

Tina Metz

With over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, Tina Metz has dedicated her career to managing independent agents in multiple states, helping them achieve their growth goals. Her extensive knowledge and organizational skills have contributed significantly to the successes within her region. Beyond her professional achievements, Tina is deeply passionate about supporting her sister Dusty's non-profit organization. Since its inception in 2011, she has served as a board member for LiveLung, advocating for lung cancer awareness and providing support to those affected by the disease. Tina's dedication to the lung cancer community is unwavering, and she continues to make a significant impact through her advocacy and volunteer work.
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North Carolina State Coordinator
Wilmington, NC Meeting Facilitator

Emily Evans, MAEd, RDN, CDCES, IHC

Emily Evans is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist in Wilmington NC. With more than 35 years' experience in healthcare, including 20 years in oncology, Emily’s mission is to advocate for and inspire a reset for improved quality of life in those she serves. Emily combines her training, knowledge and passion to empower lung cancer survivors, as well as those managing diabetes and obesity, thrive through personalized programs designed to reset their health.
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Florida State Coordinator
Tampa, FL Meeting Co-Facilitator

Sherry Haines

Sherry Haines was diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC in 2018, a year after moving to Tampa, Florida. She had biomarker testing done, which revealed the genetic mutation ALK positive. Both professional and personal experiences have shaped Sherry’s passion for advocacy. She began her career as a paralegal before working in the public schools in special education, where she supported students and families while raising her son, who has special needs. Navigating his journey taught her the importance of compassion, persistence, and giving a voice to those who need one. Today, she’s proud to work for a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people living with lung cancer. As someone personally affected by the disease, she understands the challenges patients and their families face. Her experiences have strengthened her commitment to advocacy, education, and helping ensure that no one has to face lung cancer alone. “I believe that every person’s story matters and that by sharing our experiences, we can create awareness, inspire hope, and improve the lives of those impacted by lung cancer.”
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Pennsylvania State Coordinator

Adele Flaherty, MA, PhD

Dr. Adele Flaherty is an accomplished healthcare ethicist, educator, and program specialist with over two decades of multidisciplinary experience spanning bioethics, public health, sociology, and workforce development. Her scholarship and practice focus on public health ethics, substance use disorders, end-of-life care, and the integration of ethics into nursing and community programs.
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Georgia State Coordinator

Cassandra Burney

Cassandra Burney is a seasoned higher education professional whose decades of service span both academic administration and community leadership. Throughout her career, she has championed access to education, supported students and families from diverse backgrounds, and helped shape programs that foster meaningful community connections. Her unwavering belief in the power of education and service has guided her through both professional triumphs and personal challenges—including the loss of her beloved godmother to lung cancer in 2017. That experience deepened her resolve to uplift others and honor the legacies of those impacted by the disease. As Georgia State Coordinator, Cassandra brings not only deep professional expertise, but also genuine compassion and a commitment to mentorship. Her story is a testament to the difference one person can make—through advocacy, empathy, and action.
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Tennessee State Coordinator

Leslie LaChance

Leslie LaChance is a writer and editor based in Nashville, Tennessee. In 2017, she was diagnosed with late-stage ROS1+ lung cancer at age 54, launching her into a challenging new chapter. With the support of family, friends, clinicians, researchers, and the lung cancer community, she continues to navigate treatment and survivorship. Leslie brings her experience as a patient and advocate to her role as LiveLung's Tennessee State Coordinator. She has participated in a clinical trial, donated tissue for research, raised funds for lung cancer nonprofits, and serves as a phone buddy and advocate. She trained with IASLC to become a research advocate and has reviewed proposals for the CDMRP Lung Cancer Research Program. Leslie is active with the ROS1ders and represents them in the Lung Cancer Action Network. She’s also a certified Story Exchange facilitator with Narrative4 and a certified SoulCollage® facilitator.
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Small Cell Lung Cancer Meeting Facilitator

Montessa Lee

Montessa Lee is a National Board Certified Teacher, Mentor Teacher, and advocate for lung cancer awareness. Montessa obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from East Carolina University, a Master of Science in Special Education from Johns Hopkins University, and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education at Regent University. She found her passion and purpose in educating students with exceptional needs, eventually specializing in working with students diagnosed with autism. After being diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in 2006, Montessa chronicled her experiences, believing her experience would be a healing testimony for some beyond herself. Through her journey, her memoir He Whispered Life was birthed. Through her lung cancer journey, Montessa has found that funding for research in lung cancer is inadequate given that lung cancer is the leading cancer killer. Since her diagnosis, she has pursued efforts to focus on lung cancer awareness and research.
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Fort Myers, FL Meeting Facilitator

Jaye Press

Jaye Press is the Fort Myers Chapter facilitator. She is a Stage 4 Lung Cancer survivor who celebrated her 5th Cancerversary on April 19th, 2024. A resident of Cape Coral, Jaye and her husband have two grown children and two grandchildren in Fort Lauderdale. Jaye’s lung cancer journey started in November of 2018 when she was diagnosed with pneumonia. She recovered from that in two weeks and felt great but had to do a follow up X-ray the next month to make sure her lungs were clear. After this, she had another X-ray, then a CT scan which led to a PET scan, and then a needle biopsy. Jaye had no symptoms and had never had any medical problems before her diagnosis. Jaye is thankful to her oncologist and especially grateful to groups like LiveLung where she has met amazing people and discovered that if she shares her story and spends her time, she can possibly help someone else who is facing this disease.
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Tampa, FL Meeting Co-Facilitator

Edward "Buddy" Cutler

Buddy Cutler was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer adenocarcinoma, with no known mutations and unknown PD-L1 in 2013. He has served as a mentor to other lung cancer patients on a national level and as a patient advisor for Moffitt Patient and Family Advisory Program for both lung cancer patients and patients with other cancers. Buddy has been an advocate for state and federal funding for Moffitt and for state and federal funding for lung cancer research. He has also served as a patient reviewer for Department of Defense CDMRP Lung Cancer Research Program and several other research programs.
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Augusta, GA Meeting Facilitator

Beth Eubanks

Beth Eubanks, a retired nurse, serves as the NSCLC Meeting Facilitator for Augusta, GA. During her nursing career, she found particular joy in educating patients and encouraging them and their caregivers to advocate for their well-being. In 2023, Beth stepped into the role of caregiver when her husband of 40 years was diagnosed with NSCLC. He underwent chemotherapy and a lobectomy before starting immunotherapy. Beth's life has also been touched by NSCLC through the diagnoses of a dear friend and a family member. Another close friend, who works as a Nurse Navigator for early lung cancer detection, introduced Beth to the LiveLung organization. Beth and her husband are proud parents to five children, four bonus in-law children, and ten grandchildren. They enjoy spending quality time with their large family and taking trips together. In her free time, Beth enjoys cooking, gardening, reading and spending time with Izzy, their loyal yellow lab.
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Pittsburgh Meeting Facilitator

Joi Kiley

Joi Kiley was diagnosed with Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) on February 28, 2022. During her search for support, she discovered the LiveLung family and community, where she found a sense of belonging and purpose. Joi is passionate about raising awareness for SCLC and advocating for early detection, research, and education. She shares her emotional lung cancer journey with conviction, reminding others that anyone with lungs can get lung cancer and that no one deserves this disease. A dedicated advocate, Joi spoke at the 2024 Yale SPORE Conference and has appeared in various industry partner videos to amplify awareness for SCLC. She regularly attends the LiveLung Small Cell Lung Cancer Summit and is a proud graduate of the LiveLung SCLC Advocacy Training Program. Joi is also a member of the Lung Cancer Foundation of America’s SCLC Speakers Bureau. Grateful for the friendships and opportunities LiveLung has provided, Joi is honored to co-facilitate the Pittsburgh Chapter and continue her mission of advocacy and support.
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BRAF Bombers Meeting Facilitator

Debbie Pickworth

Debbie Pickworth was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in March of 2013 at the age of 43 years old with NSCL, Adenocarcinoma with the BRAF V600e mutation. Debbie is a 3rd generation lung cancer patient. Her mother and grandmother both died of lung cancer. Her cancer is currently stable, and she has been off treatment for 18 months. Debbie is a wife, mother and grandmother. She is an Advocate and enjoys spending time with family and friends, crafting, taking photographs and getting in small vacations whenever she can. Debbie is the founder and facilitator of the BRAF Bombers.
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Triad Meeting Facilitator
LCN Nurse Navigator

Pamela Boswell, BSN, RN

Pamela Boswell is a seasoned oncology nurse with more than 40 years of experience in patient care, program development, and leadership. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of roles including oncology nurse navigator, infusion nurse, and medical-surgical nurse at major health systems such as Wake Forest Baptist Health and UNC. With a special focus on lung cancer care, Pam has developed and led programs to support patients and families, including lung navigation services, cancer care pathways, and tumor board facilitation. She is certified in oncology nursing, chemotherapy, and medical-surgical nursing and has been recognized with honors such as Health Care Provider of the Year and the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina award. Dedicated to both her profession and her community, Pam continues to bring compassion, expertise, and advocacy to the patients and families she serves as a LiveLung Lung Cancer Network Nurse Navigator.
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Lead Chaplain

Alex Mercer, Senior Ordained Chaplain

Chaplain Alex Mercer is a native North Carolinian and graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He began his career in insurance and finance, later earning graduate certification with The American College. After living in Charlotte and Raleigh, Alex returned to his hometown of Wilmington in 2004 to be closer to family and the beach. With a heart for serving others, Alex trained to become a chaplain in 2019 and now provides encouragement and support to patients, care partners, and their loved ones. In addition to his work with the lung cancer community, he also serves as a volunteer chaplain for the YMCA.
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Office Manager

Patricia Harris

Patricia Harris, LiveLung's Office Manager, assists with preparing materials for the Hope Totes, such as collating the Hope Quotes, assembling the sparkly lung cancer awareness pins, and other preparation needs. In addition to providing Hope Tote support to our Hope Totes Manager, Hanna Trent, Pat helps Dusty host community events in the Triad area. Pat is Dusty’s neighbor and walking partner and was a caregiver to her husband, Ronnie, who recently passed away from lung cancer. At 83, Pat inspires others by demonstrating that age shouldn’t stop someone from being active and helping others.

Upcoming Meetings

Have you been impacted by lung cancer? We'd like to invite you to join one of our virtual or in-person meetings. Browse our upcoming meetings here.

Dusty Joy Foundation

Dusty Joy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit with a mission of advancing education, early detection, optimal care, and empathy for people impacted by lung cancer and other cancers triggered by specific biomarkers. We will accomplish our mission by bringing together patients, caregivers, providers, researchers, and other stakeholders for the good of all. Dusty Joy Foundation includes LiveLung, LiveLung's Small Cell Lung Cancer Group, and BRAF Bombers.

Contact Us

LiveLung is Proud to Partner with:

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ASCO 2024
NCCN 2024
IASLC 2024
CaringBridge 2024
Triage Cancer 2024
cure 2024
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175 Northpoint Ave, Suite 103

High Point, NC 27262

877.311.LUNG (5864)

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Content on this site has been made available for informational purposes only. The content, including all downloads, videos, and any other informational material is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on the Site. LiveLung hereby disclaims any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content on the Site, which is provided as is, and without warranties.

© 2026 Dusty Joy Foundation

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