In March of 2022, Laura had Whipple surgery to remove a tumor on her pancreas and was diagnosed to have pancreatic cancer. She then went through 6 months of grueling chemotherapy and was declared cancer free.

Several months later the cancer returned and started spreading. After 38 years of teaching math Laura retired this past summer. Jeff has been juggling his full time job at Palen Music with caring for Laura the past 18 months, and recently made a decision to take a leave of absence as Laura’s cancer progresses. He is now out of paid time off.

Between insurance deductibles, out of pocket medical expenses, and Jeff now not having income for several months, it would be great to offer them some piece of mind and financial relief. Laura has been a shining example of grace, dignity, braveness, and grit while dealing with unimaginable pain and suffering from pancreatic cancer.