Condolences: Dana Lydia Lott

• Our hearts go out to a longtime friend, Dennis Reese, SVP, Radio Marketing & Promotion for Sony Music Nashville, his wife, Pam, and family, who are dealing with every parent’s worst nightmare — the death of a child. Reese’s daughter, Dana Lydia Lott of Durham, NC, passed away Saturday, May 3 at Duke’s Hock Family Hospice Pavilion, surrounded by loved ones after a five-year battle with cancer. She was only 40 years old.

Dana devoted her life to helping others as a clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy at Duke University Hospital. She also contributed her expertise to the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy and the Compassionate Care Conference, speaking on topics like compassion fatigue. Dana’s impact on her patients and colleagues was profound and lasting.

Dana graduated from Stamford (CT) High School and earned her undergraduate degree from James Madison University. She went on to receive her doctorate in physical therapy from Sacred Heart University and completed her residency at NYU Langone Hospital. At Duke University Hospital, Dana helped create the Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency Program, furthering her commitment to education and mentorship in her field.

Dana was also a dedicated triathlete, competing at a high level and continuing her passion for the sport even during pregnancy and after her cancer diagnosis.

In addition to father, and stepmother, Pam Humbert, Dana is survived by her husband Keith, her five-year-old daughter Savannah Grace, her mother Kathy West, her sisters Emily Humbert, Bailey Poole and Morgan Humbert.

• In honor of Dana’s lifelong passion for learning, a GoFundMe account has been established to support Savannah’s future education. Dana’s spirit will continue to live on through Savannah, and we invite those who wish to honor her memory to contribute.

A celebration of Dana’s life will be held at a later date.