Laura’s journey
Donation protected
As you all know, Laura has been battling stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma since 2015. She had a successful eight months after her first round of treatments and almost a year after the stronger treatments in Chicago in 2016.
When it came back this spring, it was surgically removed from the muscle it was in but a biopsy showed it was invading nerves and her carotid artery.
Last Monday, a team of surgeons here in Springfield took out her carotid artery and replaced it with a vein from her leg. The surgery was more successful than they anticipated. They were able to replace the entire artery, not just a section, and move a muscle from the left side of her neck over to protect it. They were also able to rid of some nerves that had already lost their functionality from previous damage.
Having good insurance, she has been fortunate enough to mostly manage the medical expenses. However, not being able to work has brought on a different set of financial difficulties. And for those of you that don’t know, she and Bobby are divorcing. So, her income is all she has. She has fatigue and severe pain associated with all of the previous treatments and surgeries. She will also need a longer recovery time after this surgery since it ended up being more involved and because each procedure is more and more difficult for her to come back from.
Without having any other medical treatments available, we all feel that this is a time she needs to focus on her healing and regaining her health and energy, not being overcome with financial distress. She has been through more than most people can even imagine. She still keeps her head up, remains positive and is kind and giving to others. You have all been so, so good showing your support for Laura. Everyday we are blown away by the kind acts from others. If there is anything you’re able to contribute financially, please know how much it is appreciated. Our family can never thank everyone enough for their support.
When it came back this spring, it was surgically removed from the muscle it was in but a biopsy showed it was invading nerves and her carotid artery.
Last Monday, a team of surgeons here in Springfield took out her carotid artery and replaced it with a vein from her leg. The surgery was more successful than they anticipated. They were able to replace the entire artery, not just a section, and move a muscle from the left side of her neck over to protect it. They were also able to rid of some nerves that had already lost their functionality from previous damage.
Having good insurance, she has been fortunate enough to mostly manage the medical expenses. However, not being able to work has brought on a different set of financial difficulties. And for those of you that don’t know, she and Bobby are divorcing. So, her income is all she has. She has fatigue and severe pain associated with all of the previous treatments and surgeries. She will also need a longer recovery time after this surgery since it ended up being more involved and because each procedure is more and more difficult for her to come back from.
Without having any other medical treatments available, we all feel that this is a time she needs to focus on her healing and regaining her health and energy, not being overcome with financial distress. She has been through more than most people can even imagine. She still keeps her head up, remains positive and is kind and giving to others. You have all been so, so good showing your support for Laura. Everyday we are blown away by the kind acts from others. If there is anything you’re able to contribute financially, please know how much it is appreciated. Our family can never thank everyone enough for their support.
Organizer
Lizzie Palazzolo
Organizer
Springfield, IL
