In Support of the Laura Nack Family

To family, friends and anyone who Laura has touched throughout her lifetime:

On September 23rd, 2018, we revealed Laura had be diagnosed with  grade 4 glioblastoma and had undergone surgery to remove one of two cancerous tumors found in her brain.

Following her surgery, she underwent six weeks of intense radiation and chemotherapy to combat the second tumor which was more recessed in her brain tissue. 

After completing the initial treatments, Laura had a month break to rest and prepare for the second phase of treatment during the holidays.

In January 2019, she started a 6 month maintenance program of 5 days of chemotherapy and the rest of the month off.  After her first dose, she became very weak and disoriented and ending up having a fall.  She was taken to Central DuPage Hospital for what was determined to be edema on her brain around the tumor location.

Laura was transferred to Marionjoy Rehabilitation Hospital for treatment for a brain injury and was being prepared for a second surgery.  After 10 days, she came out with flying colors and avoided another surgery.  She spent the next month completing in-home and out patient therapies.  At that time, Laura was cleared to drive and return to work as well as finishing her chemotherapy program.

But over the next 32 weeks, Laura's health went on the decline. Over the next couple months following her release from rehabilitation, being tired and lethargic became a normal thing. She had a blood clot in her leg that had to be treated with medication. She injured her shin and got an infection that required her cancer treatments to stop so she could heal quickly. Upon resuming her treatments, she continued to grow weaker and her appetite and energy level was minimal.

Over Labor Day weekend, she needed to be hospitalized because it became clear to us that it was no longer safe for her to be at home. She was evaluated and returned to the rehabilitation hospital for a chance to improve. After about 3 weeks of therapy, her care team determined that Laura was unable to improve under their care.

On September 25th, we met with her neuro oncologist and learned Laura's cancer had spread significantly over the last month, which explained her decline while at rehab.

Laura was ultimately moved to a nursing facility and placed under Hospice care.  During the following days, family and friends spent time with her as she moved closer to the end of her journey here on Earth.

Laura lost her battle to this ugly disease on October 1st and she was taken to a better place.  She was surrounded by her family and completed a peaceful journey into God's eternal.

Our family has been approached from many directions with offers to help.  Medical bills, costs of Laura's final arrangements, and college funds for the kids were all areas that people wanted to assist.  So we are offering this outlet for people to help.

We are eternally grateful for any assistance that anyone would like to offer.  No gift is too great or too small.  Please know we are not looking to set our family up for the future, only survive the past.  Anything above and beyond what the family needs to get a fresh start will be donated to a brain tumor charity in Laura's honor.

We will forever miss our beloved mother, wife, sister, aunt and friend to many.  We thank everyone for all your love, support, prayers and gifts throughout this last year.

All our love to you!