About

Before retiring, we were actively involved with one of my favorite nonprofits, Michelle’s Love, which provides vital support to single parents undergoing cancer treatment. Giving back has always been important to us, and upon arriving in Mesquite, we quickly found opportunities to get involved in the community.

We discovered a passion for pickleball, became members of the Elks, and began volunteering with a variety of local organizations, including a donkey rescue, a service dog group, the Mesquite Senior Games, and the World Long Drive events. While I wasn’t sure what the future would hold, life soon had a new path in store.

In March 2023, I went in for a routine mammogram. It revealed concerning results, and after further testing, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma—grade 3, stage 2B, with lymph node involvement and triple-negative breast cancer.

With a pragmatic outlook, Ken and I faced the next steps head-on. My treatment included 16 rounds of chemotherapy over five months, a year of immunotherapy, and surgery, with additional treatments depending on the outcome.

Throughout this journey, I met many fellow cancer survivors here in Mesquite. Inspired by their strength and camaraderie, I started a private Facebook group for breast cancer support, which now has over 50 members and continues to meet regularly for social and emotional connection.

In October 2023, I was incredibly fortunate to receive a full pathological response to chemotherapy following my double mastectomy. While I will continue with routine monitoring for the next five years, I remain optimistic and focused on the future.

That same fall, Ken and I discussed the idea of creating a community cancer event in Mesquite. This conversation led to the first March Against Cancer, held in March 2024, where we raised $4,500. Inspired by the success and community support, a few of us came together to form our own nonprofit—and on June 6, 2024, Warrior Women of Mesquite Nevada officially became a 501(c)(3) organization.

In March 2025, in partnership with the Mesquite Athletics & Leisure Department and other generous supporters, we hosted our second annual March Against Cancer, raising over $16,000. The event’s success confirmed that our mission resonates deeply with the community.

What began as a personal battle has grown into a community movement. My journey through cancer led me to a new passion: helping others navigate theirs. As a full-time volunteer, I’m honored to lead Warrior Women of Mesquite, where we support local residents affected by cancer with compassion, transparency, and a whole-family approach.

It truly takes a village—and I’m proud of the one we’re building.

~Dawn~

I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in April of 2023. I had a lump on my breast from my cat jumping on me, that did not go away. I went to my regular doctor who got me in for a mammogram ASAP. They saw something suspicious and I was then sent for an ultrasound. Two days later I had a biopsy. Cancer was confirmed on the right breast. It was undetermined on the left and I was sent for further testing. From there, it was a whirlwind of activity with meeting with the surgeon, oncologist, having an MRI and more tests. My chemo treatment began in June of 2023.

I had a rough go with the chemo and it had to be stopped. I had a lumpectomy in November of 2023 and followed by four weeks of radiation in December/January. I can now say I am cancer free. In November of 2023 I was a recipient of A Pink Warrior Christmas. They are another wonderful organization that supports cancer families.

I retired in 2020 and was volunteering with three different organizations. Volunteering is something that is in my blood.

Prior to moving to Mesquite NV, I was a volunteer FF/EMT in a small town in NorthEast Ohio. Most of my family were volunteers at the Fire Department; my grandfather, my dad and my brother. My dad started the Christmas for Every Child Fundraiser to see that the less fortunate would receive Christmas presents.

I also volunteered on our July 4th celebration committee, where we hosted a five day festival and a parade. We had the largest parade in our county. I was the parade chairman and also on the board.

I was a 911 operator/dispatcher for 13 years in Ohio. I moved to Mesquite in 2002 and was a dispatcher for their police department. I also worked for the IT Department and Athletics & Leisure Services.

Dawn Pecoraro, a fellow cancer warrior, started having breasties luncheons to get together to support each other. I could only attend a few as I was too ill to attend. She had discussed doing something to raise awareness of cancer and we decided to host a March Against Cancer in March 2024. This is when Warrior Women of Mesquite Nevada was born.

In June of 2024 we decided to become our own non-profit organization in our quest to support local area residents affected by cancer. We support cancer patients and their families with several events throughout the year.

~Beth~

A lifelong Californian, I moved to Mesquite NV with my family in 2022, in preparation for retirement. We found a wonderful active retirement community and I retired in early 2024. I was in the auto insurance industry for over 39 years, holding various auto claims positions and administrative roles.

From an early age ‘giving back’ was a cornerstone in my life focusing on financial support, time, and service of a multitude of non-profit organizations. I have held positions on the Board of Directors for AIDS Services Foundation/Radiant Health Centers, Team Michelle, a non-profit breast cancer organization in California, and Christ Chapel of Orange County. I am currently the Secretary for the Warrior Women of Mesquite Nevada.

In March of 2024 I participated in the 1^st annual March Against Cancer in Mesquite, hosted by the Warrior Women of Mesquite Nevada. It was an amazing experience with so many people coming out in support of those affected by cancer in our community. When the 2^nd annual walk was being discussed, I decided to join the planning committee and gained more insight into how the Warrior Women support the local community; I was moved by their compassion and support for those in our community affected by cancer and inquired with Dawn and Beth as to how I may further support the organization. A short time later, I joined the Board of Directors and am honored to work alongside these amazing women that have fought, and prevailed against, cancer.

Cancer is a non-discriminatory disease that I have lost countless friends and family members to and I participate in the Warrior Women’s journey in honor and memory of those friends and loved ones.

~Michelle~

I am a native Californian and made the move to Mesquite Nevada in anticipation of an active retirement lifestyle. I retired at the end of 2023 from a long career in software support and development, primarily focused on financial applications for local municipalities.

I have served as the Treasurer for Christ Chapel of Orange County and Team Michelle, a non-profit breast cancer organization in California. I have supported numerous non-profit organizations for many years in financial support and service.

In March of 2024 I participated as a walker in the 1^st annual March Against Cancer. I was motivated to join the planning committee for the 2^nd annual March Against Cancer in 2025, which led to my affiliation with the Warrior Women of Mesquite Nevada. I joined the Board of Directors in the Spring of 2025 as the Treasurer.

~Cheryl~

A two time survivor of breast cancer, I became involved with what would become the Warrier Women of Mesquite NV LLC, a 501-C (3) prior to its formation in June 2024.  My goal was and still is to help others with their cancer journey.    

Prior to retirement, I was in the insurance industry for 37 years, mainly as a producer of commercial and personal policies as well as a Risk Manager.    

In my prior life, my husband Ron and I lived in Oregon but wanted more warmth and sunny days than what could be found in Oregon.  We found Mesquite and love it here and enjoy cruising in our classic car.  We have also been very active with Elks Lodges for over 15 years and continue to volunteer as much as possible.    

I have been involved in the community to let others know of the existence of WW, and to see how we can best help them.  It is very rewarding to hear the results when someone has been helped by us.  

~Linda~