Reading Teacher's Cancer Recovery

In February 2015, Laurie Joens was diagnosed with Grade 2 Invasive Moderately Differentiated Ductal Breast Cancer.  This diagnosis has really taken Laurie, her family, friends and colleagues by surprise, as she is very young for such a diagnosis.  Laurie is a 42 year old mother of two loving boys: Zachariah, a soccer player at UNCA and Samuel, a 2nd grader at Vance Elementary in West Asheville.  Laurie is also a dedicated caregiver to her father, who suffers from several major debilitating medical illnesses.

Laurie is an invaluable member of our society and has touched countless children's lives in her role as Title I Reading Specialist throughout the years.  She has applied for (and won) many grants for the students needing Title I assistance through Asheville City Schools.  In addition to her regular hours of teaching, Laurie has provided innumberable hours tutoring students before and after school, along with during the summer. Laurie's presence, dedication, knowledge and individualized care is immeasurable to the students who have received her services throughout the years.  

This fundraiser has been started to help Laurie and her family through her time in treatments and surgery, a double mastectomy, scheduled for March 16th.  Every donated amount is appreciated beyond words.

Thank you all so much for your help for Laurie and we look forward to a healthy ending to this journey!