Dawn McCrea was diagnosed with ALS just over 20 years ago at age 40. Today, she continues to defy every expectation. And she’s not just surviving — she actively seeks joy, connection, and healing. “I don’t focus on my ALS diagnosis,” she shared. “I focus on healing and positive energy.” She lives in Bend, Oregon, where she receives tailored support and resources from ALS Northwest Care Services Coordinator Christina Riddock.
Dawn’s belief in the power of mindset has shaped her entire journey. She’s a fierce advocate for alternative therapies. After retiring as a CPA in 2011, she developed and still maintains her own wellness resource website where she shares what she’s learned with others navigating health challenges.
From CPA to Fighter and Healer
Before her diagnosis, Dawn lived in California and worked as a CPA. She was active, independent and a self-described “gym rat.” Her love for animals, especially horses, started as a child. She loved riding horses, especially English riding and show jumping, and spent much of her free time with animals, a love that continues to this day. Even after her ALS diagnosis, she continued riding for years.
In 2015, Dawn moved to live with her parents in Oregon as her ALS symptoms progressed. It was a difficult transition for someone so used to self-sufficiency.
Her father passed in 2023, and this past year, following her hospitalization, Dawn moved into an assisted living facility — right next door to her mother. They now live as neighbors, offering each other daily support and companionship. Her sister visits weekly from nearby Powell Butte, and a cousin also lives locally.
Dawn has faced a series of other difficult events in recent years: a broken arm, major surgery, COVID, and a bout of pneumonia that led to a long and grueling hospital stay. She was placed on hospice, and doctors told her she had only weeks to live — but Dawn had other plans. After months of fighting during what she describes as the hardest t me in her life, she regained enough hand movement to once again operate her remote and computer. While it may seem small, it is a triumph of independence and persistence that reflects her character.
Strength in Nourishment, Purpose and Community
Even after all she’s faced, Dawn remains deeply engaged with the world. She attends Zoom seminars, joins healing groups, and still spends time learning, connecting and sharing. Among her favorite resources is the peer-reviewed site ALSUntangled, which explores alternative and off-label treatments.
These days, Dawn continues to rebuild her strength and finds ways to maintain her health. After a serious drop in weight following her hospital stay, she has slowly gained back weight with help from plant-based protein shakes and dietary changes.
Dawn’s story is a powerful reminder that ALS doesn’t define the boundaries of a person’s life. Her journey is shaped by persistence, creativity, self-advocacy and an unshakable belief in the power of healing.
We’re honored to know Dawn and to walk alongside her as part of the ALS Northwest community.