Dr. Laughter - Beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa & Dr.

 

 

Hello everyone, I'm Christina (or Tina as many know me) and I'm Dr. Laughter's 2nd daughter. I never thought I would be setting up a "Go Fund Me," but here I am. Some of you may know that my dad, Dr. James Scott Laughter, was recently diagnosed with advanced metastatic, stage 4 prostate cancer. This news was both shocking and devastating to all of us.

 

In March of this year my dad was having issues with fatigue and pain in the lower abdomen. He went and saw his Dr who drew labs, did a prostate exam and referred him to a urologist. The lab results indicated a high PSA and very high alkaline phosphates, indicating cancer with bone involvement.

 

Two weeks later he got in to see the urologist who scheduled a biopsy 2 days later. 2 weeks after the biopsy, the 10 samples, graded 0 to 10 for cancer (0 being best and 10 being worst) all came back as 9's. Things did not look good. 1 & 1/2 weeks later a PET Scan showed definitely there were metastatic sites all over the pelvis, spine and some of his ribs. Finally they started hormone therapy and will be starting combination medications and probably radiation therapy.

 

Anyone who knows my dad, knows that he is as dedicated to his patients as he is to our family so despite being in a great deal of pain, all of this time he has been still seeing patients - though much fewer and less physically stressful ones, as he feels he can't give them the attention needed and deserved, so he has begun to refer them out. My mom makes sure he takes a break and gets a nap in and he has cut the number of days he treats patients. Everyone has been very understanding and supportive. It is because of his patients and their requests of how they can help support my dad, that I am making this Go Fund Me.

 

 

 

 

 

My dad was a Respiratory Therapist for 18 years, including the first 12 of his current 37yr career as a Chiropractor. He has been a valued part of the North Park community for all of those 37 years; working and raising his 4 children there. He has been an involved parishoner of St. Patrick's Church (right across from his office on 30th street) where his children and grandchildren have attended school. He helped deliver all 4 of his children at home. I'm the 2nd one, born on his 31st birthday - my birthday buddy! My dad has always given everything he's had to his family and patients. Hes a hardworking, giving man and I've been blessed to have him for my dad. Right now, he's having a hard time being on the "receiver " side of care as opposed to the "giver" side of things, though.

 

I am asking for prayers and positive thoughts for my dad as he fights this fight, for my mom - who is trying so hard to be strong for everyone, for my siblings and our children who are very heartbroken and worried for their grandpa (their best buddy!) Some people have been asking for a "Go Fund Me" to help support my dad, so I am setting this up, but please know that your love, thoughts and prayers are already more than enough.

 

I want to thank everyone who has been keeping him in their prayers and I thank each of you, in advance, for continuing to do so. Also, thank you for any financial assistance offered to help offset current and future obligations related to care and the reduction of his abilities to see patients due to doctor appointments and/or symptoms of treatments and health conditions. Each of you means the world to my dad and I'm so greatful that he has such a loving and supportive community behind him as he embarks on this battle!