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.

The loss of her brother-in-law to lung cancer in 2015 is what drew Lynn Abbott-McCloud to LiveLung. Since helping launch and lead LiveLung’s Charlotte program in 2017, Lynn is now the organization’s Programs Director, managing the growing network of educational lung cancer groups and the robust Hope Tote program that now sends resource-filled Hope Totes to more than three dozen cancer centers throughout the United States. Lynn is an avid lung cancer advocate with a focus on patient advocacy, lung cancer and radon awareness, early detection, and research funding. She has a keen interest in lung cancer research, particularly SCLC, and disparities in lung cancer and medical treatment. She serves on the NC Promising Interventions in Lung Cancer Disparities Round Table and has contributed to poster sessions at the National Lung Cancer Round Table Annual Meeting and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

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”.

Marketing professional and new mom, Jessica Yoos joined LiveLung in 2023 by way of a long-time friendship with Lynn. When approached with the opportunity, Jessica was moved by LiveLung's mission and and excited to help share the message of hope and compassion for people impacted by lung cancer. When not focused on LiveLung's message, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and painting.

Sinéad McCloud-Clements has been a valuable member of the LiveLung team since 2022. She is a dedicated worker with a passion for marketing and design. Sinéad is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a minor in Graphic Design. As Sinéad continues to expand her skill set and push the boundaries of her expertise, she remains determined in her commitment to making a lasting impression in the communities with which she works.

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.

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.

Emily Evans is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist in Wilmington NC. With more than 30 years' experience in healthcare, Emily’s mission is to advocate for and inspire a Reset for improved quality of life in those she serves. As an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Emily combines her training, knowledge and passion to empower cancer survivors, people living with diabetes, heart disease, and obesity to create “custom fit” programs to Reset their health. Emily is the North Carolina State Coordinator and the Wilmington Chapter Facilitator.

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. Sherry is on her 2nd targeted therapy and meets with her oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center for routine scans, and labs every 4 months. Sherry is the Florida State Coordinator and the Tampa Chapter facilitator.

In 2015, Jackie Nixon was diagnosed with Stage I lung cancer, and her subsequent investigation discovered high levels of radon in her condominium building. The revelation was the pivot point to her joining Citizens Radioactive Radon Reduction (CR3) and creating and marketing the international radon publication, CR3 News Magazine, to communicate the cancer risks associated with radon. Jackie is the Director of Marketing & Communications for Citizens Radioactive Radon Reduction (CR3) and the Publisher of CR3 News Magazine. She is also a CR3 Pennsylvania State Representative Advocate and the Co-founder of the Premier Youth Ambassadors for Radon Reduction (PYA) and the CLEHR Network. In 2021, The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) selected Jackie Nixon as a participant for the Supportive Training for Advocates on Research and Science (STARS) Program as a Patient Research Advocate (PRA). She has shared her experiences and knowledge of the danger of radon at the International Radon Symposium hosted by American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists, at regional EPA Stakeholders meetings, LungCAN and LungForce, among others. She has presented at many webinars hosted by various lung cancer and environmental organizations to help prevent future deaths and diagnosis of radon-related lung cancer.

Kathleen Gamblin is the System Manger for Oncology Patient Navigation at Piedmont Healthcare System in the state of Georgia. She received her undergraduate degree from Messiah College and is currently finishing her Master’s in Health Administration. She served in the United States Air Force Nurse Corps for seven years at multiple bases across the United States. Kathleen’s background and her passion have been in the care and navigation of patients with lung cancer, first as an Oncology Nurse Navigator running the STAT multidisciplinary lung cancer clinic with Dr. William Mayfield and then in the development of lung cancer navigation programs. She is a member of the Georgia Lung Cancer Roundtable, serving on the navigation committee. She is a contributing author and co-editor of the Oncology Nurse Societies first book on Oncology Nurse Navigation, Oncology Nurse Navigation; Delivering Patient-Centered Care Across the Continuum of and a second book, Case Studies in Oncology Nurse Navigation. A recognized expert in the field of patient navigation, Kathleen has presented at both local and national conferences and webinars on patient navigation. Kathleen is LiveLung's Georgia State Coordinator.

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.

Pamela Bono was diagnosed with Small Cell Lung Cancer in 2011. She was given a 3-6 month survival rate so she opted for a very rigorous chemotherapy and radiation treatment plan. In 2015 the cancer metastasized to her brain and she received Nero Blade treatment. Pam has been in remission since 2016. She is the Small Cell Lung Cancer group co-facilitator.

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.

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.

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.

Patricia Harris, LiveLung 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.

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.