2025 Journey Across America: Celebrating 20 Years of Lung Cancer Progress and Survivorship
Miles of Progress; Miles to Go
In 2005, Dusty Donaldson heard the words no one wants to hear: “You have lung cancer.” She survived—and dedicated her life to helping others do the same. Now, 20 years later, Dusty is hitting the road in the LiveLung Skan Van to celebrate her cancerversary and the incredible progress made in lung cancer research, treatment, and early detection over the past two decades. The Journey will also raise awareness about early detection and the urgent need for research funding, while inspiring hope for everyone facing a lung cancer journey of their own.
This isn’t just a personal milestone. It’s a national mission.
Dusty’s Journey Across America will spotlight the researchers, clinicians, survivors, and advocates who’ve helped move the needle on lung cancer survival. With over 50 stops across the country, Dusty will meet with members of the lung cancer community from coast to coast and into Canada—conducting interviews and capturing stories, raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting lung cancer screening.
Along the way, her conversations will form the heart of a new documentary film: a powerful tribute to the unsung heroes of the lung cancer movement and the survivors whose stories offer hope and inspiration. At every stop, the camera will be rolling—capturing not just Dusty’s road trip, but America’s journey in the fight against lung cancer.
To mark her 20th cancerversary, Dusty is also giving away free copies of the newly released second edition of The ABCs of Lung Cancer: for Patients and Advocates, co-authored with her daughter, Kimberly Lester. This updated, easy-to-read guide offers practical tips for patients and caregivers, personal reflections, prevention advice—and, above all, hope. The 2025 edition, which features interviews with patients, advocates, and lung cancer experts, will be distributed free at events and community stops throughout the tour.
This effort will also be promoted in local media across the country to bring national attention to a disease that too often goes unnoticed—and to remind the public that lung cancer is not a death sentence.
Together, we’re celebrating progress, honoring perseverance, and driving hope forward—one mile at a time.
On the Road with Dusty
Want to see where the road leads? From Raleigh to Seattle, Los Angeles to Boston, Dusty’s route spans more than 50 stops in 45 days—meeting with survivors, visiting cancer centers, and sharing stories of progress. Follow along as she brings the message of hope and awareness to communities across North America, one meaningful mile at a time.
Moments that Matter
From coast to coast, Dusty and the Skan Van are connecting with the lung cancer community—survivors, care partners, clinicians, and advocates who make this movement matter. These moments of joy and solidarity remind us why we keep driving forward: to honor every story and inspire hope at every stop.
Fuel the Journey
Behind the Scenes
Peek inside the Skan Van—Dusty’s mobile hub for advocacy, awareness, and connection. Wrapped with purpose and packed with educational materials, this van is driving a message of hope, survivorship, and progress to lung cancer communities across the country.
Coming Soon: A National Story
As Dusty travels the country, cameras are rolling—capturing real conversations with the people driving advancement of lung cancer care and survivorship. From researchers and clinicians to survivors, care partners, and advocates, this in-the-making documentary will spotlight the voices of those driving hope, healing, and change across the country.
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