Cancer Survivor, 19, Raises $20K With Haunted Trail

Nineteen-year-old Dawson Cottrell knows what it feels like to receive a second chance at life, and he spends every October sharing that gift with his community.

Diagnosed with leukemia at just five years old, Dawson fought the disease for nearly five years before entering remission. Along the way, he discovered a shared love with his father, David: a deep appreciation for theatrical Halloween scares.

Eight years ago, the father-and-son duo turned their 1.5-acre property in Caledonia, Wisconsin, into a free haunted trail for neighbors. What began as a safe trick-or-treating alternative quickly transformed into an annual community tradition powered by volunteer actors and elaborate costumes.

Instead of charging admission, the family set out a simple donation bucket to fund childhood cancer research and support families facing diagnoses. Over the years, their spooky pathway has channeled thousands of dollars directly to organizations like Make-A-Wish and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Now, as Dawson prepares to leave for college, the pair is staging their eighth and final haunted production. Their goal this season is to push their lifetime fundraising total past the $20,000 mark.

Why This Inspires

Dawson views his survival as pure motivation to pursue what he loves while lifting others up along the way. By transforming personal hardship into festive joy, he and his father created an unforgettable experience that directly helps other children conquer cancer.

Every dollar dropped into their bucket shows how shared family passions can spark immense hope for an entire community.

As Dawson steps toward his bright college future, his spooky backyard trail leaves behind an enduring legacy of generosity and triumph.