In a powerful story of resilience, a Newport woman diagnosed with pancreatic cancer has successfully completed a challenging trek through the Alps, transforming her suffering into a mission for awareness and research funding.

Dawn's Journey Begins with Pain

Dawn Clayton, 60, first encountered excruciating abdominal pain during a family holiday in Majorca back in 2014. Initially dismissing the discomfort as mere indigestion, her condition worsened, prompting a visit to the local hospital. An alarming diagnosis of acute pancreatitis followed, and subsequent tests back home revealed cancerous cysts on her pancreas.

The Shock of Diagnosis

The health scare left Dawn, a former nurse from Caerleon, Newport, "terrified and in shock." Despite her medical background providing some insight, it did little to prepare her for the fear of receiving such a life-altering diagnosis. Thankfully, the cancer was detected early. Dawn underwent the Whipple procedure in Newcastle, a complex surgery to remove part of her pancreas along with other affected organs.

Recovery and Renewed Purpose

After a week-long recovery in the hospital and several rounds of chemotherapy, she fought valiantly against the disease, emerging with a renewed sense of purpose. In 2019, driven by her passion for nursing, she returned to university to regain her professional credentials, hoping to provide the best possible care to her future patients.

Facing Recurrence

However, just when she thought she had conquered her health challenges, Dawn experienced a recurrence of the frightening pain in the final week of her course, only months after celebrating five years cancer-free. Further examinations revealed the presence of pre-cancerous cysts, leading to the removal of her pancreas and spleen in early 2021.

The Alps Trek

Fast forward to today, and Dawn has adapted to life post-surgery, now living with diabetes. Her Alps trek, covering over 62 miles (100 km), stands as a testament to her strength and determination. She aims to draw attention to pancreatic cancer—a notoriously difficult-to-diagnose disease that typically shows few symptoms in its early stages, complicating timely treatment.

The Need for Awareness

Pancreatic cancer often goes unnoticed in its early phases; common symptoms, which may include abdominal pain, weight loss, and changes in stool, often manifest as vague issues that can be easily overlooked. This highlights the importance of awareness, making stories like Dawn's vital in educating the public about the risks associated with this insidious illness.

A Call to Action

Now, Dawn is committed to raising both awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research, hoping to inspire others with her journey. "My experience has taught me that we must never give up," she emphasizes, "and I will continue fighting to ensure others have a better chance at early detection and treatment."

A Testament to Resilience

Dawn's journey is a testament to the human spirit's resilience, proving that with determination, even the toughest of battles can lead to inspiring journeys of hope and strength.