A Journey of Resilience and Grace
Born and raised in a small town in central Wisconsin, Dawn Quednow has spent over 30 years making a difference in the healthcare industry. Now living in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, she is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator with a passion for long-term care and a heart for people. With an associate’s degree in Human Services, a bachelor’s in Psychology and Social Work, and accreditations in Nursing Home Administration, Dawn has devoted her life to serving others.
Outside of work, Dawn is a proud mother to two children, two bonus children, and a beloved grandmother to a crew of grandkids ranging from seven to eighteen. Whether she’s shopping with her best friend, blaring music on a long walk, visiting the zoo, or baking up a storm, Dawn’s zest for life and connection to others is undeniable.
A Warrior Three Times Over
Dawn’s life has been shaped by both adversity and strength. She is a three-time cancer survivor, having battled leukemia at 13, and later breast cancer and lymphoma. “I cried, I got mad, but I never gave up,” she shares. Through it all, Dawn has learned that grief is personal and healing is not linear. “You don’t have to be strong all the time. Grieve on your own terms.”
Each diagnosis brought its own pain and lessons, but what remained constant was her resilience. “It wasn’t my fault,” she reminds others facing illness. “And no one gets to tell you how to deal with it.” Even today, the nerves of checkups never fully go away, but Dawn continues to move forward with courage and hope.
From a Rough Start to a Remarkable Rise
Growing up, life on the farm was far from picture-perfect. Poverty, divorce, and alcohol left Dawn without much guidance. She became a teen mom, but against the odds, she graduated high school, worked odd jobs, and kept striving for more. “Apparently, I liked school—even later in life!” she laughs, recalling how she always sat in the front row.
Her relationship with her parents, though difficult, found redemption in later years. “Mom quit drinking and we fell in love with each other before she passed away at 66. Losing her was hard, but I treasure those years.” Her father, once distant, became a constant in her life, and through deep conversations, she came to understand him more fully.
Pageantry: A Sparkling New Chapter
Dawn always dreamed of pageants as a child. When she finally saw an opportunity, she dove in headfirst—and loved every second. “I had no idea what I was doing, but I knew it was in me!” she says. Her favorite part? Interview. “I love to talk and tell my story.”
Pageantry gave Dawn more than a crown—it gave her confidence, sisterhood, and a renewed love for life. “I love breaking stereotypes about age and size. I love a sparkly gown. But most of all, I love community service and being part of something meaningful.”
A Platform That Sparkles: Perfectly Prom
Dawn’s platform, Perfectly Prom, provides free prom dresses to girls who might otherwise miss out on this milestone moment. “Growing up, we couldn’t afford a gown. I wanted to change that for someone else.” What began in a small classroom has grown to include events across states, with over 550 gowns donated in just three years.
She also partners with organizations serving girls with special abilities, making sure every young woman feels beautiful and seen. “When a mom whispers to me, ‘I didn’t know how to tell my daughter we couldn’t afford a dress,’ that’s my why.”
Self-Care for the Soul
Dawn believes in whole-person self-care:
- Physical: Long walks and dancing it out
- Mental: Stress baking—banana bread by the dozens!
- Emotional: Honest heart-to-hearts with her best friend
- Spiritual: Prayer and deep faith
- Social/Community: Volunteering and mentoring teen moms through New Beginnings
- Professional: Quiet moments to reset—and calls to her mentor
- Financial: “A work in progress—but I’m learning!”
Words to Live By
Her favorite quote comes from Scripture: “Walk by faith, not by sight.” For Dawn, it’s a reminder to believe in the path even when it’s unclear. “It’s about taking chances, trusting yourself, and moving forward—even when it’s hard.”
Dawn Quednow’s story is one of survival, grit, and grace. Through cancer, hardship, and growth, she has emerged as a voice of encouragement and light. “There’s only one you. You’re unique. Learn to forgive—not just others, but yourself. And whatever you do, don’t give up.”
