Following her lung cancer diagnosis in 2005, Dusty became an advocate. She founded the Dusty Joy Foundation and co-authored the book “The ABCs of Lung Cancer for Patients and Advocates,” with Kimberly Lester. Dusty also is the co-chair of the Lung Cancer Action Network (LungCAN) and a contributing writer for LungCancer.net. Prior to her diagnosis, Dusty was a journalist and public relations professional. She earned a BA in journalism and an MA in public policy journalism. Dusty has three adult children and three grandchildren. She lives in North Carolina with her husband Tony and two spoiled kitties.